Wednesday, July 31, 2013
MMA Babe Shelby Gast Ready to Heat up the SCC Cage this Friday
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Fighter Babe Gina Begley Returns to the Cage this Saturday
How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-In January of 2009 I began training in kickboxing for fitness and enrolled my son in the youth MMA program at the AFS Academy. After watching some of his classes, I decided to try grappling so that I would understand what he was doing. Initially I said I would never fight. But as I progressed competing in grappling tournaments and kickboxing, I eventually tried MMA. I’ve been at it ever since.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I still train at the AFS Academy in Richmond, KY. My son and I love to train and he is with me a majority of the time working hard as well while on summer break. I train most days at least twice a day in strength and conditioning, grappling, and striking. Friday is probably my favorite day for training because we do wrestling for MMA. It is my favorite class and grappling art. Thursday is my day off. Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday we have open mat, team practice and I usually fit in some fight conditioning as well. I really like to mix up my cardio because running is just so boring. I usually swim, run, jump rope, and hit the row machines for variations in cardio.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-I will fight for NAAFS on August 3rd in Carrollton, OH. I will face Katlyn Chookagian (2-1) from New Jersey. I don’t like to dwell on my opponents so all I really know about her is the record she comes with, the state she is from and that she trains at a Renzo Gracie affiliate school but visits the actual school for belt testing and stuff.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-My best experience as a fighter was when I traveled to Denver, Colorado to fight for RFA. The promotion was fantastic, the crowd was great. Overall it was just an amazing fight, opponent, people and experience.
-My worst experience was when I fought in northern Kentucky against Vanessa Demopoulos. She was a great opponent and we had a fantastic fight but the promotion made everything leading up to and after just feel… unpleasant. It was very hard for me to take anything positive from the experience for a very long time.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Look at who you find successful and emulate their actions to hopefully produce similar results. Find a coach that doesn’t hold you to a lower expectation than your male counterparts. Understanding your gender and what you can tolerate is much different than the attitude of what is good for a girl. Surround yourself with good people. And, focus on yourself and your training at your gym.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-I think my coach Scott Elliott has been one of my biggest inspirations in MMA and life. Since joining the AFS Academy, I have had a complete transformation as a person and am so happy with the new avenues that life has taken me and my son. I never thought I would be remotely interested in fighting, media, or writing. When in doubt I would ask for advice from my coach Scott Elliott and Jess Duke. They always gave me great words of encouragement. My son and I have had more opportunities to travel, compete, meet great people and have amazing experiences than I would have ever imagined.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-I am a huge fan of Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino. I love her ferocity. I of course love Ronda Rousey and all she has done for women in the sport. For males I am a huge fan of Anderson Silva despite the recent KO. I love GSP and almost anyone that has vicious work ethic and tenacity.
In addition to fighting you also host Pro WMMA Now. How did that get started and could this be a future career as a live radio or television MMA analyst?
-I hope I have a future career in media, I love it! I initially started with WV Fight Sports Radio but only to help a girl that was supposed to cover WMMA news on a segment for them. She eventually flaked out and after my 3 months was up; I had really got into it. I became a co-host of the show until eventually Pro MMA Now offered me an opportunity to host my own show focusing on the professional female MMA athletes. I asked Emily Bartee, a training partner of mine to help co-host. She is very intelligent so if she doesn’t know something she will work to find out what she needs to know. She is extremely reliable and responsible so I never have to worry that she will no show or quit without notice. So far we are doing great and can’t wait to see what’s next.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting? Any hobbies?
-I spend a majority of my time training and my hobbies include looking for new methods to improve my performance. My son and I both love the water so in the summer we love to hit the pool. I’m always training but when I’m not fighting, my indulgence would probably be beer, food, and comedy. I love to hit comedy clubs. I like to cook and try new foods as well as indulge in craft beers and sweets! My fat week includes a trip to Thai Smile for Chicken Panang Curry, Logan’s for steak and their rolls with cinnamon butter, and a couple of burgers. I’ll be sure to have Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Dogfish Head Midas Touch in the fridge for some good wind down beers. My sweet treats are typically chocolate cupcakes, cheesecake, and chocolate! I’ll be honest. I’m a social media junkie. If I can stay up late, I enjoy scrolling through Facebook and Twitter. If I have nothing to do, I like to watch The Bad Girls Club and simultaneously play Candy Crush, while cruising Facebook, surrounded by sweet treats, a beer, and Mexen chips. That would be me completely vegged out!
For those who will inquire we have a few questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-I am a single lady and very happy about that. It doesn’t feel like it due to my training schedule and free time spent with my 9 year old son. So, yes but very busy!
What do you look for in a guy?
-I’m currently not looking for a guy so that makes the question very hard. I know what I don’t like though. Musclely, hairless, self-absorbed, pretty boys are a definite no way. I’ve never dated a fighter. I’ve been single for a long time. I can’t say that I’ve ever been pursued by anyone in MMA as well, so I’m not really sure about what I’d look for as MMA is a huge part of my lifestyle. I’m sure it would have to be someone involved in the sport so they could understand my lifestyle.
What are your turn-ons?
-I appreciate confidence and willingness to adapt, learn, and self-motivate.
What are your turnoffs?
-Low self-esteem, extreme jealousy, codependence and laziness are qualities I do not like in people in general.
What would you say is your best feature?
-I don’t know what I would consider my best feature. I am very comfortable with who I am and how I look. Maybe that’s my best feature although it is not a physical one. Just very aware of who I am, comfortable and confident with myself as a whole.
Lastly before we let you go we would love to hear about your future plans and let you send some shout outs.
Any future plans or dreams?
-I am eager to be successful in the sport of MMA. I plan to have a very successful MMA career followed by a successful MMA media career. In about 10 years you should look for my son Christopher Begley in the UFC!
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-Big thank you to my coach Scott Elliott and my teammates at the AFS Academy: Jessamyn Duke, Adam Fritz, Brandon Campbell, and Emily Bartee. Thank you to my Bluegrass MMA teammates Gary Thomas and Juan Valle. To my sponsors F3 Nutrition, Defense Fight Soap, Mike’s Mix Recovery Drink, Thanks! Shout out to 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu and the Thai Boxing Association of the USA. Thanks to Jason Adams of Promoting Women in Fitness Blog for being so supportive. Thank you to BangTown Fightwear and The Mile High Grizzlies for supporting Pro WMMA Now!
Thank you very much for your time Gina and good luck on fight night! Send your shout outs to Gina “Jellybean” Begley on Facebook, Facebook fan page and Twitter, check out her radio show Pro WMMA Now on the Pro MMA Now Network and her articles at BluegrassMMA.com.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Babes We Want to See in MMA - July 2013 Edition with Lisa Opie & Fonda Kristen
Lisa Opie (pictures 1-3) is a 22 year old stunner from Miami, Florida who is 5'6", 101 lbs and measures 32C-23-33. Lisa is an accomplished model, dancer, actress and designer. Lisa has worked with the likes of Vera Wang, Tiffany and Co, David's Bridal, Transworld Surf, Rockstar Energy and Tropic Beauty Models and currently holds the title of Miss Virgin Islands United States 2013 along with several other pageant titles. Along with her modeling she also owns Vizcaya Swimwear. This world traveler has lived in four different countries, traveled to 30, has a degree in Political Science with a minor in History and is trilingual in English, Japanese and Spanish. Her favorite MMA fighter is Urijah Faber. For more on Lisa Opie please visit her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and on Vine at Lisa_Opie.
Fonda Kristin (pictures 4-6) is a 27 year old knockout from Charlotte, North Carolina who is 5'2", 109 lbs and measures 34DD. Fonda holds titles for Miss Social Network Miss August 2012 and International Bikini Contest winner 2012, a current semi-finalist for the 2014 Maxim Hometown Hotties contest, a featured Miss Coed in 2012 and is also a 2013 Playboy Lady of Golf and 2013 Girls of Golf for Links and Laces. Her favorite MMA fighter is Anderson Silva. For more on Fonda Kristin please visit her on Facebook and Twitter.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Babes of MMA Sponsored Fighter Katy Collins Continues her Win Streak
Saturday, July 27, 2013
The Sexy Ladies of Fight Lab 32
Friday, July 26, 2013
July 2013 MMA Babe of the Month ChelsieAryn Miller
How did you get into the world of MMA?
-I do believe I started by meeting with the team at Headrush Brand Clothing and in the days following the owners of CAGE WARS NY were looking for girls to ring card for a local event and I had experience in ring carding for boxing but MMA round carding sounded more exciting to me. That was my start to a long lasting relationship with the great guys of Five Guys Fighting.
What were you doing before you became a MMA ring girl and model?
-I had started modeling while still in high school. So after graduation I went right into modeling full-time.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-Well, having a relationship with Headrush Brand Clothing I got to know a few of the fighters they sponsor and hang out with them on a more personal level. Dustin Poirier being one of the first fighters I ever met and got to know, he will always be a favorite. I think he is a great guy in and out of the cage. A few other fighters would be George St-Pierre, Jon Jones and Chris Weidman.
What are the sweetest and strangest comments MMA fans have said to you?
-Sweetest Thing: I really like it when the "girlfriend/wife" drags their "boyfriend/husband" up to me and says "I think you are really sexy and I want to have a picture of you with him. The poor guy is usually shy, red and nervous at first but then I always ask to get a picture with the lady after and then they get excited.
-Strangest Thing: When walking around the cage between rounds a guy came up to me and said I was his favorite Round Card Girl and he tossed a hand full of bills at my feet. After I got done and back to my seat the hand full of cash came around the cage from one person to the next till it got to me.
What would your fight name be if you were a fighter? ChelsieAryn "?" Miller
-Well since Jason "Mayhem” Miller stole my family nick name I will go with "Maniac” Miller, a name my friend Slim Lou gave me.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
-Something most people don’t know about me is that I got my certificate for my motorcycle license before I took my road test for my automobile license.
What are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?
-Some of my hobbies are do it yourself crafts and in my spare time I like to relax watching Criminal Minds marathons on TV.
Are you single?
-No, I have been with a wonderful Southern man from Georgia for over a year. I am a sucker for guys with accents and tattoos.
What do you look for in a guy?
-I like guys that are confident, honest and down to earth.
What are your turn-ons?
-Things that turn me on are neck kisses, lip rings and the rumble of a Harley.
What are your turnoffs?
-Things that turn me off in a person are if they are cocky, rude, and lack a good sense of humor.
What would you say is your best feature?
-I would say my best feature is my eyes. They change color from dark brown to auburn reddish-orange. Photographers call them my vampire eyes (usually means I am up to something when they come out). My most unique feature that draws the most attention would be my boobs. They are all natural (made by God) and are a bit large for my frame. They are close together and they seem to stir up a lot of controversy where ever I go and on the internet. It always makes me giggle what people have to say about them.
What are your future plans or dreams in life?
-Looking forward to moving to Atlanta and starting a new life down there!!
Any special shout outs or thank you's?
-Of course. A huge thank you to my CAGE WARS NY family including all the fans that come to support the fighters and my fellow ring card girl, the lovely Jessica Storie. A thank you to all my friends on my social media sites and to you guys at Babes of MMA for featuring me this month!! ~xo
Thank you very much for your time ChelsieAryn and happy to have you back on Babes of MMA! For more on our July 2013 MMA babe of the month ChelsieAryn Miller check out her Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. You can also catch ChelsieAryn and her fellow ring card girl Jessica Storie carding for Cage Wars 21 on August 17th in Amsterdam, New York.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Fighter Babe Darla Harris Ready to Throw Down this Saturday
How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-I have always liked to watch the sport. In Montana there are smaller promotions I used to ring girl for, I got to sit cage side and rage. The pay wasn't bad, and I got to leave town for the weekend. Then I decided I just wanted to try it out, again I got to leave town and do something fun. I had my first fight when I was 18 and had a couple more just for fun. I didn't start training in a gym until I moved out to Colorado. The first real coaching I had was with Pariah MMA here in Colorado Springs, Drew Lawrence (as well as Lee Douglas and my teammates) made me the fighter I am from the ground up. When I came to him I didn't know how to throw a jab.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-PARIAH MMA BABY! I train with Drew Lawrence, Lee Douglas, Angel Cejudo, and Scott Cleve. WE GO HARD!! All week!!
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-I am fighting Jinh Yu July 27th for a belt on Sugar Creek Showdown #18 in Hinton, Oklahoma at the Sugar Creek Casino.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-That's a hard question. I have had a lot of great experiences as a fighter so to pick one is impossible. I really don't know what the worst would be either; I try to always look at the positive n f**k the rest.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-It’s a great way to get into shape and feel great about yourself, why not try it out! If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, come on down to Pariah MMA. We are currently at 2660 Vickers Dr in Colorado Springs, CO 80916.
What or who are you inspirations in MMA and life?
-My Coaches, my teammates, my boyfriend, my friends are like family and my family. I love you guys. I am so thankful for all the positive and inspiring people in my life.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-Josh Watson, Ricky Musgrave, Scott Cleve, Donnie Liles, Tori Adams, Chilo Gonzalez, Ramico Blackmon, Joey Eisenbrun, Mark Taylor, Ashley Deen, Summer Bradshaw, Jody McCallon, Mark Korsnowski, Mark Padilla, Curtis Scott, Justin Guthrie, Trey Smith, Chuck Liddell, I have a lot of favorites. :)
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I don't have a lot of free time. I like to do anything outside. Ummm I love art, everything about it and every kind. I am also a bit of nerd. I like to play both Xbox and PlayStation and I have a dachshund, she is great.
For those who will inquire we have a couple questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-No, I love you Josh Watson.
What would you say is your best feature?
-My heart.
Lastly before we let you go we would love to hear about your future plans and let you send some shout outs.
Any future plans or dreams?
-Always dreaming :) I kinda live in the moment; the plan is to be #1 at 105.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I want to thank Drew Lawrence, Lee Douglas, Angel Cejudo, Scott Cleve, and all my teammates at Pariah MMA! I want to thank Brandon Rizzo at No Sequel Fightwear. He did a kick a$$ job on everything!! If you need custom work, walk-out shirts, this is THE guy. I want to thank Canna Meds Wellness Center (Canna Chews) for sponsoring me for every professional fight I have had. You guys are awesome. If you are in the Colorado Springs area come down and see them at 2363 N. Academy Blvd. I want to thank Joel Hart at Ink Inertia Custom Tattoo and Art Gallery. He does the Best work in the Springs! Get on down to see him for a phenomenal tattoo.
Thank you very much for your time and good luck on fight night Darla! For more on Darla Harris shoot her a friend request on Facebook, like her fan page on Facebook and give her a follow on Twitter.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Fighter Babe Danielle Alexander Returns to the Cage this Saturday
How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-I’ve always loved the sport for as long as I can remember and always watch it on TV and YouTube. One of my best friends named Alex Davis showed me some things in his backyard one day after school and I was hooked! I wanted to learn more and more! A few years after that are when Michael and Tesa Andrews moved to Collinwood and brought MMA to Wayne County! I have been training off and on with them since day one!
Where are you currently training, and what’s a typical training week like for you?
-I train with Real Fitness and MMA, Team Last Man Standing in Collinwood, Tennessee. We train Monday through Thursday and sometimes on the weekend.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you’re fighting and where?
-I am fighting July 27th at the Recreation Building in Collinwood, Tennessee for RFT 7 presented by Real Fitness and MMA. I’m fighting Allyson Alexandria (Ally Free) from Huntsville, Tennessee.
What is your best experience as a fight? What is your worst?
-My first fight was my best experience. I won in the first round with a TKO. That was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had! After the fight everybody was congratulating me! Little kids were coming up to me and telling me how good I was and how they want to be fighters too! Also this younger girl came up to me and asked if she could have her picture taken with me! She told me she was going to fight in the cage when she got old enough. It was truly an amazing experience.
-My worst experience would have to be my second fight that was supposed to take place. My opponent backed out the day of our fight. She was under weight. Since then I have had three more fighters back out. It was very disappointing, but only made me want to push and train harder!
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Go for it! There are no limits and nothing or no one can hold you back from what you truly want to do. The only person that can hold you back is yourself.
What or who are your inspirations in life?
-That would be my momma, my niece and nephew.
Who are you favorite MMA fighters?
-Ronda Rousey, Gina Carano, Anderson Silva, Alexis Davis, Forrest Griffin and Felice Herrig.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I love doing anything outdoors. Spending time with my family, especially my niece and nephew, my friends and my animals ;)
For those who will inquire we have a few questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-I am recently single, lol.
What do you look for in a guy?
-Looks are important but it’s the inside that is most important. Someone who has a great and outgoing personality, always real and straight up with me, respects me and can make me laugh.
What are your turn-ons?
-Tattoos, when a guy can be himself around me, someone who is honest, and someone who doesn’t care to wrestle and get whooped by a girl, lol.
What are your turnoffs?
-Liars, cheaters, players, and guys that are conceited and think they can have any girl they want! It’s not ok when a guy is more into himself than his girl.
What would you say is your best feature?
-My eyes.
Lastly before we let you go we would love to hear about your future plans and let you send some shout outs.
Any future plans or dreams?
-I no longer really make plans much anymore. I just take things day by day and one step at a time. I want to go back to college, still continue to work and just live my life.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-First off, I want to thank God because without him none of this would be possible. I want to thank my family, friends, and my LMS family! My coach Michael Andrews, his wife Tesa Andrews, and my Muay Thai coach Britt Eskridge. Also, I want to give a special thanks to the toughest woman I know, my momma! She’s my biggest fan and has been there for me since day one!
Thank you very much for your time and good luck on fight night Danielle! Send your shout outs to Danielle on Twitter and check out her gym Real Fitness and MMA on Facebook.
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