Fighter Babe Rachael Cummins Back in Action Friday

We recently had the pleasure of connecting with up and coming fighter babe Rachael Cummins as she prepares to return to the cage this Friday. Rachael has been a part of the sports world most of her life but basketball and volleyball made her the athlete she is today. Playing basketball since she was eight through her high school years and club volleyball from eleven through college really fueled her competitive nature which brings us to her newest career as a fighter, ring girl and model in MMA.


How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?

-I walked into Reign Training Center for Jiu Jitsu on a Tuesday class, I was the only girl and I looked at my coach that I had just met at the time and told him “teach me the basics I want do a tournament this weekend” he thought I was nuts and didn’t believe me! I starting training Jiu Jitsu for two days and put myself into a tournament that same weekend. I got second place. So then two weeks later I put myself in the Best of the West tournament and got first place in gi and third place in no-gi against blue belts. I fell in love with grappling and realized that I was actually good at it. Never thinking I would ever do MMA. About 6 months later one of my coaches Luke Adams made me start hitting pads and told me to do MMA class just for fun. I was actually beating up a few boys which was so much fun! So from then on I started sparring and decided to do my first MMA Fight August 20th of 2011 almost a year after starting Jiu Jitsu and only a small amount of time Kickboxing.

Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?

-I train at Reign Training Center in Lake Forest, CA, Mark Munoz’s gym. I train Jiu Jitsu 4-5 days a week, Muay Thai 2-3 times a week and lift weights 3 times a week. Unless I am getting ready for a fight then I train double days, morning and night which takes a lot of dedication and hard work!

Tell us about your upcoming fight, who your fighting and where?

-My next fight was scheduled to be at the Commerce Casino for BAMMA USA against Kristi Lopez who dropped last minute. In a turn of events, Kristi’s next opponent fell through with an injury and I stepped up to get my shot at her at Tuff-N-Uff Beauties & Beasts this Friday at South Point Arena in Las Vegas.

What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?

-My best experience was getting into that cage in the first place which takes a lot of mental stability to have the guts to walk in there in front of a huge crowd. The worst experience was preparing for my first fight, dieting for my first time in my life and worrying every night before I went to bed. This is a MENTAL GAME first!

What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?

-The best Advice I would give women that would want to start MMA is train EVERYTHING but focus most on your ground! Because if you’re a great striker and your ground game is horrible then you’re in a lot of trouble! Even though you have everyone’s sweat on you being a grappler you become very strong. Also train everyday and don’t act like a girl! Go in there and smash the boys! That’s the best feeling is making a guy way bigger then you TAP OUT!!!!

What are some of the hurdles that you think Women in MMA need to overcome before Women's MMA will be considered a top level sport like Men's MMA is today?

-Women need to work just as hard as the men do! Like I said don’t act like a girl in the gym. You’re one of the guys there :) you can be a girl outside the gym. Be tougher than most of the guys and never give up!

When do you think we will see a women’s division in the UFC?

-It might take awhile, I think we need more athletic girls to start training. We can do it, some say I know we can! We just need to keep working hard every day!

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-Mark Munoz, Jon “Bones” Jones, Nick Diaz, Nate Diaz and Megumi Fujii

How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting? Any hobbies?

-I play volleyball and coach the high school boy’s team.

We do have a few questions for the male readership as well.

What do you look for in a guy?

-I like a guy that looks tough and mean on the outside, but is sweet and romantic, does sweet things for me and has a sensitive side with a great heart. Love don’t cost a thing, it’s the little things that count.

What are your turn-ons?

-Athletic, nice abs, nice booty, strong, romantic, affectionate and Go Getters!

What are your turnoffs?

-I hate guys that talk about themselves and brag. I don’t care if you have a Bentley or Ferrari, I prefer you not to! Lol, or Dreamers…..DO IT! If u want something in life do it! Don’t drag it along.

What would you say is your best feature?

-My best feature is for sure my personality! ;)

Any future plans or dreams?

-I would love to be ready for my pro debut by next summer. I would also love to be in Strikeforce someday.

Any shout outs you would like to make?

-Thank you Reign Training Center and Clinch Gear for all my cool gear!


Thank you very much for your time Rachael! We look forward to your fight on Friday and a successful career ahead of you in MMA. Say hello or wish Rachael good luck on Facebook and on Twitter @RachaelCummins.