Starting off as competitive cheerleader and gymnast, Rachael Ostovich would soon find out that she rises to the top of every sport she undertakes. As an All-State 1st team cheerleader, taking 3rd in the state for wrestling, and becoming a Judo State Champion, it seemed like a natural progression to try her hand at the family’s favorite past time. With the experience of her dad and brother leading the way, Rachael has enjoyed an undefeated record of 5-0 and is a two time amateur MMA champion holding titles in two separate promotions, Hawaii’s 808 Battleground and in Hawaii’s biggest show, Destiny MMA. She was the 2012 Miss MMA Hawaii and held the crown of Homecoming Queen in 2009 at her Alma Mater, Moanalua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
We recently caught up with Rachael prior to her big title fight this Saturday for the interview below to learn a little more about her.
How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-I’ve been training all my life in various sports, namely cheerleading, gymnastics, wrestling and judo. They all helped in some way, shape or form but actual fight training started after high school in 2010.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I am currently training out of Jesus is Lord Gym in Honolulu, Hawaii. A typical training week is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30-9:30 PM. Our regimen includes 1/2 hour of bible study and prayer before working out and we close in prayer after the 2 1/2 hour physical training. Tuesdays and Saturdays we do an intense beach routine. We basically only have Thursdays and Sundays off, but I still workout on those days just to keep my body burning.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-My upcoming fight will be here on Oahu at the FilCom Center. I am fighting the current 125 lb. female champion, J.J. Aldrich, from Colorado.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-My best experience as a fighter was my second Amateur MMA bout in Las Vegas against Kari Lichtenwalner. I took the fight on a days notice so I didn’t have to cut weight and basically ate whatever I wanted from those Vegas Buffets. It was also my worst fight for the very same reason because I barely won and felt so out of shape which made me train even harder and completely renovate my diet for the next fight, because I felt so terrible afterwards. So, in that sense it was still the best experience to this day as it has taught me so much.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-MMA is not for the weak at heart. It’s also not about the glory especially in my case, all the credit goes to God. I can also think of a million other ways to stay in shape and earn a living where you don’t have to get punched in the face or worry about someone trying to maim you. So make sure you’re in it for the right reasons. It comes at a price. But if you’re willing to make the sacrifices, it’s worth all the hard work and time you put in.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA or life?
-My inspiration in life would have to be my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without him I would be nothing. At birth, doctors gave me a bleak prognosis because I was born with two holes in my heart. Though I was scheduled for open heart surgery at age 2, the Lord chose to heal me instead. By 6 months old, the holes unexplainably closed. The doctors even said it never happens and could only have been a miracle of God. Since then I knew the Lord had a plan for my life.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-My favorite MMA fighter would have to be female phenom Gina Carano. She paved the way for women's MMA. She's a great fighter and is also very humble.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-When I’m not training or fighting I’m usually spending quality time with my family and my beautiful 7 month old daughter. I also love to go shopping and enjoy social networking.
For those who will inquire we have a couple questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-I’m not married but I am in a relationship.
What do you look for in a guy?
-Well first of all, he needs a job and probably would need to enjoy training and watching fights. Most importantly, he needs to be a man of God.
What are your turn-ons?
-When a man is funny, athletic and smart. Also if you smell good that’s always a plus, lol.
What are your turnoffs?
-Low self-esteem, bad hygiene and no job.
What would you say is your best feature?
-I guess I would say my dazzling personality? Haha
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?
-Future plans would be to become the 125 lb. Women’s World Champion at Invicta and the UFC. Personally, I really would want to own my own home someday and have my own business.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I would like to thank my biggest supporters, my family. To my dad, who is my coach and manager. To my mother, who has always been there for me spiritually, emotionally and in so many other ways. They are my biggest role models besides my Jesus.
Thank you very much for your time Rachael and good luck on fight night! Click here to purchase tickets to Rachael’s fight. Send your shout outs to her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and check out her gym.
Rachael Ostovich defeated J.J. Aldrich via majority decision.
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