How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-To be honest I had some things happen in my life that made me feel it would be in my best interest for me to know self-defense. I wanted to learn every aspect of Mixed Martial Arts to be able to protect myself. I just watched a Rousey vs. Tate fight and after watching it something just clicked in me and it was like I have to do this. The day I watched the Rousey vs. Tate fight was the day I walked into Porcelli’s doors and got involved with MMA. I remember when I first met coach Porcelli, I was with my mom and I looked at him and said, “I want to learn self-defense and I wanted to fight.” He said in his Italian accent, “Are you sure you want to get hit in the face?” lol. I started that day and I was hooked. I found my passion! I have trained now for 8 months and love the feeling of getting into the cage, I believe I am addicted!
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I am still training at DMMMA under Anthony Porcelli, DMMMA is my other family. I am doing extra things on the side during the week to get my skills sharper and mix things up. I train at South Des Moines Boxing Club during the week. Sundays I just run, stretch, do planks, sit ups, cardio, meet with my main training partner Chris Bossuet from DMMMA when we can to practice jiu-jitsu and spar. Mondays and Wednesdays I go to DMMMA and lift, run, work on jiu-jitsu, and wrestling from around 5-7:30pm but sometimes there until 8-9pm depending on the day. Tuesdays and Thursdays I go from 10-11:10am for Muay Thai, boxing, and wrestling. Then I go to boxing club at 5pm to spar and train and then shoot back over to DMMMA to work on stand up as well. Fridays I may either go to DMMMA or boxing club. Saturdays I am at the gym to lift, hit the bag, and later work on things with my teammates. If the gym was open more I would be there more that is for sure!
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-My upcoming fight is for Ascendancy Fighting Championship (AFC9) on April 29th at Seven Flags Event Center in Clive, Iowa. I am fighting Kathryn Bassignana from Minnesota, who is 2-2. I went up a weight class for this fight at 125. She has more experience than me all around, but that is why I am training so hard for this fight. I wanted a hard fight and a fight that would challenge me, as well as a fight I would learn from.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-Truthfully, there are a lot of things you experience as a fighter and a lot of things you go through. For me what it comes down to is life lessons. You learn from it all and it makes you stronger, wiser, and you learn just as much from the bad experiences as you do the best experiences. How I see it you cannot lose, you either win or learn.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-The best advice I could give to other women who want to get started in MMA is to find a good MMA Academy and give it a try. I will warn you it is a lot of hard work, dedication, determination, and you have to want it. Also, you have to be able to take a hit to the face, deal with pain, and have it in you to fight. You need to learn all aspects of the game so do jiu-jitsu, wrestling, boxing, Muay-Thai, and do a lot of strength and conditioning. It is up to you to decide when you feel you are ready for your first fight. When you are an amateur I feel it is the time and place to learn and improve on your skills. MMA is not a sport you will be skilled in and become a pro fast. It takes years of sacrifice, hard work, dedication, commitment, will power, and you need to put 100% into it if you are serious.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-My biggest inspiration is my son; he inspires me to be the best in life and in the cage. The moment I found out I was pregnant he became my inspiration to be the best I can be. I need to teach him about dedication, determination, never giving up, getting back up on your feet when you are knocked down, and how hard work pays off. That you never back down or give up without a fight. Also, my mom who battles MS and Fibromyalgia has always been an inspiration. She taught me no matter what keep fighting, always pushed me to be better, and has always been there for me. Then of course there is Porcelli who inspires me to be a better fighter, always believed in me, who pushes me to keep going, jumps my ass when needed, and someone I look up to.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-Right now my favorites are Diaz and Holms. I love Diaz’s heart to never give up and Holms for her all around great character and professionalism.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-What free time? My life consists of being a mom, college, training, and fighting. I do love dancing and music. Love to go to concerts from country to rap. Sometimes I go watch MMA fights my teammates are in to show support and cheer them on, as well as learn by watching. I do plan on skydiving this summer (I am an adrenaline junky), teach my son how to swim and fish. I love the zoos and amusement parks. Love camping and the outdoors. My free time is normally with my son. I enjoy lazy days where you just sit in pajama’s all day, watch movies, relax, and do nothing; however, I do not get many of those days.
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?
-My future plans are to finish college and get my degree then work with juvenile delinquents as a probation officer/corrections officer. Buy my son and me a nice little house. To have my own gym someday to teach MMA and self-defense classes to women, and hopefully have a partner who is my best friend to share it all with someday. My dream is to make it to the UFC and travel the world. I know it is a long shot, but I dream big!
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I want to first thank my mom who was my biggest supporter telling me to go for my dreams and do what I love, which is MMA. I want to tell Anthony Porcelli thank you for changing my life, for believing in me from day one, and making me a part of your family. I will always be grateful and appreciate everything you do! I want to thank my son Dalton for being the reason behind my drive and wanting to be a better person all around. Chris Bossuet who has been there by my side from day one, who helps train with me a lot, motivates me, pushes me, is always there by my side, and is not just a teammate but one of my best friends. I want to thank Tree James, Pepe Pena, and the South Des Moines Boxing Club for helping me improve my boxing skills. A big shout out to my DMMMA elite squad teammates who work with me and help me become better. I want to thank my dad for being my biggest fan and cheering me on! My last shout out is to all of my family, friends, and fans for all the support they give me. I am truly blessed!
Thank you very much for your time Becca and good luck on fight night! Click here to purchase tickets to Becca’s fight and send your shout outs to her on Facebook!
Posted on April 27, 2016 by www.babesofmma.com
Kathryn Bassignana defeated Becca Baldwin via submission (armbar) at 1:25 of round 1.
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