Fighter Babe Delaney Owen Returns to the Cage on Saturday

Fighter babe Delaney “Lil Scrappy” Owen (4-0) returns to the cage this Saturday for a 115 pound title fight with Hannah Cifers (3-0) at US Freedom Fighter Championship 11: Redemption in Marion, NC at the Swamp Fox. We recently caught up with Delaney prior to her big fight for the interview below.

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

-Well, I started training BJJ and wanted to learn self defense but then my coach encouraged me to fight and said I would be good at it. I’ve been training for two years and fighting for one.

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

-I train at Highlander MMA under black belt Michael Yanez (Pablo Popovitch black belt). I work a lot, one full time job and another part time job so all my training is at night. Typically I’ll train from about 7:30 to 10:30/11. It depends on the day but I alternate Gi and No-Gi during the week along with stand-up and wrestling.

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

-I am fighting in Marion, NC on March 30th for the USFFC 115 pound title and my opponent is Hannah Cifers who is 3-0.

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

-Everyone has success; in the beginning everything is new, left to little decisions but only reaction. The more we learn the better we become and the room for error. The measure of success and failure is not limited to wins and losses but the execution of technique. I must win for I make fewer mistakes then my opponent. I will not be beat for only I can beat myself in mistakes I make. I always look to finish that’s what makes Women’s MMA different from kickboxing matches.

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

-Don’t be discouraged! Training in a mostly male dominated sport can be difficult but it will only make you a better fighter, emotionally and physically. Work on all disciplines don’t just train stand up, BJJ or wrestling. You need a good mix of all three in order to be a well rounded fighter. Try to stick with one coach. I have seen so many men and women that have different coaches in their corners yelling different things at them. Find one school and one coach that knows you well and will help you every step of the way.

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 we have come so far already. We need to weed out the “pros” from the professionals. When I go pro I want to say “I am a pro MMA fighter” and that should be a big deal. It should mean I can kick everyone’s ass in this room. Every female needs to act like she is an ambassador for the sport and represent appropriately.

What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?

-My inspiration is my fiancé/coach/manager. He has been with me from the beginning and I wouldn’t be able to do it without him! I’m lucky to be able to train under him.

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-Chael Sonnen, Nick Diaz and Ronda Rousey just to name a few.

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

-My hobby is training! I go to concerts when I can. I like to sleep so I try to do that as much as possible 

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

Are you single? In case our readers didn’t catch that in a previous reply.

-Nope :)

What do you look for in a guy?

-Well, I found what I’m looking for BUT, caring, confident, sweet, honest, loyal, tall, strong, I’m a personality girl. And if you can make me laugh then we have a good chance of being friends ;)

What are your turn-ons?

-A confident man that looks for approval from only one person, his girl.

What are your turnoffs?

-A know it all and show off, especially if it’s at the expense of others.

What would you say is your best feature?

-My eyes.

Any future plans or dreams?

-Rise to the top of my division. Get my black belt in BJJ. Continue to run our school and teach anyone willing and able!

Any shout outs you would like to make?

-Thanks to BRAWL N’ MAUL, Phantom Ink and Fitness-sales.net!!

Thank you very much for your time Delaney and good luck on fight night! For more on Delaney stop by her Facebook and Twitter pages and check out her gym Highlander MMA.