Fighter Babe Kaitlin Young Back in Action this Saturday

Fighter babe Kaitlin Young (6-5) returns to the cage this Saturday to take on Leslie Smith (3-2) at Invicta FC in Kansas City, KS. Kaitlin is a 26 year old bantamweight fighting out of Minnesota with a background in Taekwondo and Muay Thai. Continue reading our interview below to learn more about Kaitlin’s background and upcoming fight.

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

-I was training Muay Thai at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy (now known as simply The Academy) in Brooklyn Center, MN when a couple of the coaches suggested I start training wrestling and BJJ and take an MMA fight. That was about 5 years ago, and I had my first MMA fight on October 4th of 2007.

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

-I am still at The Academy for all of my martial arts training. I have added a few supplemental activities .Myself and a few of the guys are fortunate enough to have Robert Brant come in to work with us on our boxing. I also go to Horsepower Strength and Conditioning to work with Matt Miller.

-My training week typically consists of various martial arts training for 1 -3 hours in the morning (Monday - Friday). This usually includes pad work, sparring, drilling, grappling, MMA live goes, etc. Pro practice at The Academy is usually followed by some kind of supplemental training for (running, strength and conditioning, etc.) in the afternoons and on Saturdays.

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

-I am fighting Leslie Smith for the upcoming Invicta FC One card. The fights will take place on April 28th in Kansas City. It is a stellar card with a stacked line up of top female fighters. They are streaming it online for free from their website! Invicta FC

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

-My best experience as a fighter is winning a fight, hands down! The worst experience is dealing with unreliable promotions over, and over, and over again. Luckily, 2012 has been a great year thus far and the two promotions I have dealt with have been amazing.

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

-Be prepared to work very hard!

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?

-Honestly, I think it needs to get to a point where several of the top level females are able to FIGHT and TRAIN as a full-time job. It has certainly improved in recent years, but that will be the catalyst for it to become a top level sport. Imagine how much better all of the top female fighters would be if they were able to JUST TRAIN.

When do you think we will see women divisions in the UFC?

-We will see it within the next 3 - 5 years. I take that back, we will see something like it in the next 3-5. I think the possibility of Zuffa owning an all women's promotion is good as well.

What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?

-I am mostly inspired by my teammates and personal training clients. In both situations, you get to see them shine on their best days and push through their worst days. In the process, you see some very remarkable things.

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

-I rest. As lame as it sounds if I'm not at work or training I usually just like to relax and eat. I love stand-up comedy and walking my dog.

Of course we have a few questions for the male readership as well.

Are you single?

-I am not.

What are your turn-ons?

-Confidence, confidence and confidence.

What are your turnoffs?

-Jewelry and insecurity.

What would you say is your best feature?

-My temperament.

Any future plans or dreams?

-I want to climb to the top of this division. In the super long term, I'd like to have a gym of my own one day.

Any shout outs you would like to make?

-Absolutely. First, my coaches I have been working with for this fight Greg Nelson, Ryan Murray, Robert Brant, and Matt Miller. I would also like to thank my awesome sponsors Gamebred Fightwear, Intimidation Clothing, Ethic Fight Co, and One N Done. I'd also like to thank Shannon Knapp and Janet Martin for making the Invicta show possible and holding it to such high professional standards.

Thank you very much for your time Kaitlin and best of luck on fight night! Be sure to follow Kaitlin on Twitter and Facebook for all her latest news.