How did you get involved in martial arts and how long have you been training?
-I started jiu-jitsu two and a half years ago. As for wrestling and striking I started a year ago. My interest in martial arts started when I use to watch "The Ultimate Fighter season 1" with my dad. I was impressed to see how far a man can push thru the pain but never thought I could do it until I turned 22 and started partying and got involved in street fights. I realized I kind of liked it and maybe I should try it which I did and stuck to it since day one!
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I’m training at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, FL! My weekly training consist of 2-3 training sessions a day, five days a week and I like to do a two hour drill on Saturday. I usually train in the morning, go back home to eat and sleep and then go back around four to spar, following with a class at night. It’s a pretty cool schedule. :)
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-I will be fighting Gayrene Meade at Super Brawl MMA this Sunday in Davie, FL at Cowboys Saloon.
What are your thoughts going into your very first MMA fight?
-I’m super excited! Like I said before I’m Canadian and I had two professional fights scheduled in the last year which did not happen due to injuries, my move to the States and I had many things to fix in my life. Everything happens for a reason and I’m happy to be here and fight amateur first. That way I’ll get my experience and build my style before I jump into the big leagues. I’m happy to finally test my skills and what I have learned so far! It’s my first one so there’s a bunch of things I want to try!
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-I went thru a lot of situations since I started training. People held me back because I am not a "fighter looking type". It always bothers me. I feel like I have to prove myself to the world all the time. The only advice I could tell the other girls is to follow their heart. If you really want something, only you can make it happen. Whatever people say or think it doesn’t matter. Train hard and do what makes you happy. The best revenge is success!
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-I’m a big fan of Ronda Rousey! She's good looking and she's tough. She use to bartend like me and she lived in Montréal for a little while so I kind of find myself in her in a way. I think she’s really good for WMMA.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-My favorite MMA fighters are BJ Penn, Jose Aldo and Ronda Rousey.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I like the beach a lot! I was born and raised in the cold so it’s new for me. I like to go to the beach on my day off just to lie down and get my tan. I like surfing, watching movies or playing video games with my roommates!!
Of course we have a few questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-Yes I’m single. Haven’t found the one who can handle me yet!! Haha
What do you look for in a guy?
-I have a weakness for athletes with dark hair and dark eyes. I rarely get attracted to the white boy type! I like a tough guy that knows how to loosen up and make me laugh. Someone I can be comfortable enough with to share and talk to. Relationships are team work!
What are your turn-ons?
-That’s a secret!! But I would say it depends on the energy and the connections I have with the guy.
What are your turnoffs?
-Hahaha.....biggest turn off to me is to be able to beat up my boyfriend. Can’t deal with someone weak!!! I don’t like the easy guy neither...a lil chase is always fun!
What would you say is your best feature?
-I would say my eyes and my booty. These are my two weapons against men!!!
Any future plans or dreams?
-I want to fight as much as I can and hopefully make a good career out of it. Plus I like fashion and communication so maybe I’ll use my fighter status to create a clothing line for girls in martial arts or commentate for sports. Obviously I would like to teach in the future and share my passion for the sport!
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I would like to thank Bob Deluca for his help and support all the time. My training partners Ediane "India" Gomes, Tecia "The Tiny Tornado" Torres and Felipe Liborio. I would also like to thank everybody at ATT, my coaches and the fighters that help me. You guys are my daily motivation, these guys make me believe that dreams can come true! A big thank you to my Muay Thai coach Raul Llopis, he inspires me and someone I look up to.
Thank you for the interview Jessica and we are looking forward to a great fight on Sunday! Good luck on your debut and career as an MMA fighter. For more on Jessica please visit her Facebook and Twitter pages.
Jessica defeated Gayrene via arm bar submission at 1:30 of the first round.
ReplyDelete