Fighter babe Sara “Icy” Ayaz (2-4) returns to the cage this Saturday for Havoc MMA: Havoc for Heroes in Collierville, Tennessee. Fighting out of Memphis, TN we recently caught up with Sara prior to her big 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 got into MMA as sort of a natural progression. I started martial arts when I was 6 and have trained in various styles including Karate, Kung Fu, Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Kali. I teach Krav Maga and wanted to experience a fight as well as test myself.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I train (and teach) at Krav Maga Desoto, and Ronin Martial Arts. A typical week will consist of a lot of teaching, which means lots of opportunity for training before and after. I like trying different things for cardio. I actually really don't like running, but you can find me smiling when I jump rope. Crazy, right?
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting, and where?
-I am really excited about the promotion for this fight. It's a charity event to send World War 2 vets back to Normandy for the anniversary of D-Day. I will be fighting Shawna Tyler, in Collierville, TN.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-I think my favorite was my first win, which came via TKO. It was a fun fight and the feeling of getting my hand raised and seeing my coach smiling was amazing. Worst experience, my third fight, which was a loss and hard to stomach because I knew going in that my head wasn't in it.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Ask lots of questions! Don't settle for the first gym you try, ask the questions you feel relevant and find a place you like, where you feel comfortable.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-In MMA, fighters like Felice Herrig and Carlos Condit. Their work ethic when it comes to training is awesome. In life, my coach, business partner, fiancé, Mike Hooker. He is a very accomplished martial artist and black belt Krav Maga instructor. He has one heck of a work ethic too. More importantly, he has driven me to become the fighter and person I am, in the best possible way.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-Ooh. So many! As mentioned, Felice Herrig and Carlos Condit. Carla Esparza, Marloes Coenen, Ronda Rousey and Benson Henderson are also favorites of mine.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I'm kind of a nerd. I love reading and playing video games when I'm not spending time with my son. And playing with my pug!
For those who will inquire we have a couple questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-Nope, as mentioned above :-)
What do you look for in a guy?
-Sense of humor, and must know how to do an omoplata.
What are your turn ons?
-Sarcasm (yes, I'm a little odd), sense of humor, and the ability to laugh at themselves.
What are your turnoffs?
-Lack of humility and lack of respect.
What would you say is your best feature?
-*laughs* these things that will keep me out of the 115 division.
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?
-So many! My student black belt in Krav Maga. Opening a huge martial arts academy that has everything under one roof! I'm also a certified Krav Maga instructor (Level 2), so continuing on that path is definitely a priority too.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-Yes. To my coaches, head coach Mike Hooker, and Chip Baldine. My training partners, especially David Stivers and Ryan Dalton for their help. And lastly to my family for all their support.
Thank you very much for your time Sara and good luck on fight night! Send your shout outs to Sara on
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