We recently caught up with Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson as she prepares to return to the cage this Saturday. Michelle was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Her parents met in Germany when her father was in the Army. She has an older brother and a younger sister. Michelle got into the Martial Arts because her older brother did it and she wanted to be just like him. She fell in love with it, and knew that she wanted Martial Arts to be a part of her life. Michelle first earned her black belt in American Free style Karate, and then she studied Kenpo for a little bit and then WuShu. She was always real good at the artistic aspect of martial arts but wanted to test her limits in the combative aspect. When Michelle and her mother went to Thailand she decided to study Muay Thai next. She loved the challenge so much that when she came back to the states she started fighting MMA. Michelle was then featured on the reality show, "Fight Girls" which aired on the oxygen channel. Before she got pregnant she had the privilege of doing "Bully Beat down" on MTV! Her daughter was born on March 18th, and since then has been preparing for her return to the cage on January 21st in Albuquerque New Mexico, where she currently lives and trains! Michelle brings an 8-3 MMA record to her long anticipated return to the cage this Saturday. Check out the rest of our interview with Michelle below.
How did you get involved in martial arts, the sport of mixed martial arts and how long have you been training?
-I've been doing martial arts since I was 10. I got involved in MMA when I started training with Donald Cerrone in Colorado. More background above.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I currently train at Jackson's/Winkeljohn's MMA. I go swimming three times a week, strength and conditioning twice a week, and MMA five times a week!
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you’re fighting and where?
-I am fighting in Albuquerque, NM at the Hard Rock hotel and casino on the Jackson's series 7 card on January 21st. It will be the first time I headline a show. I will be fighting Diana Rael.
What has been your best experience as a fighter and what has been your worst?
-My best experience was when I fought Thricia Poovey. I took the fight with two week’s notice but was training pretty hard. We were going at it back and forth. I remember her bombing on me and I knew I was losing the fight. But there was a little voice inside of me telling me that I wasn't going out like that. I turned the fight around and ended up finishing her with a tko in the second round. It was a real test of heart for me and a big step in my fighting career.
-My worst experience would be when I fought Elena Reid; my head wasn't on right for that fight. I really, really wanted to win but I just couldn't stay focused and it showed in the fight. I was doing well in the first, but then the second came around and I lost control of myself. I gave up on myself. It was one of the worst feelings a fighter can have.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Work hard and do it because you love it. It's a tough road but well worth the reward.
When do you think we will see a women’s division in the UFC?
-Hopefully within these next couple of years!!!!
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-My family! My fiancé Josh, my coaches Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn and all my teammates. I know that is a lot but they all inspire me in their own ways.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I love spending time with my baby Araya. I love doing adventurous things. I also like arts and crafts! Oh yeah, and dancing.
Any future plans or dreams?
-I want to eventually have a school of my own and teach others what I have learned. I would also like to fight for the UFC one day. I want a big family, and I want to just enjoy life!
We do have a few questions for the male readership as well but sorry fellas Michelle is engaged and a proud mother.
What do you look for in a guy?
-Strong physically and mentally, honest, loving, funny and loyal. Someone who appreciates the little things, someone who is motivated and positive.
What are your turn-ons?
-Confidence, dimples and back muscles.
What are your turnoffs?
-Jerks.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-Team Jackson's, my manager Jahani Curl, Rich Montoya, the Turning point gym and all my friends and family! Also want to thank all the fans who support my career! Without them it would be a lot harder to find fights.
The Karate Hottie is back and you don’t want to miss it! If you can’t make it in person check out the fights
online. Say hello to Michelle on Twitter
@karatehottiemma. Thanks for your time Michelle and good luck on Saturday!
