How did you get involved in Muay Thai and how long have you been training?
-Started as a form of fitness, a full body work out. Been training for 4 years and fighting for 3. I had no intention of fighting when I started.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I'm currently in Thailand training out of Santai Muay Thai gym, in preparation for a very big fight on 28th of January in Hua Hin, Thailand. My home gym is PTJ Muay Thai gym in Sydney, Australia. I train twice a day, I also run twice a day, 6 days a week. I sprint 2-3 times a week. At the moment in Thailand it’s harder to get my strength sessions in, but back home I do strength and conditioning 2-3 times a week depending on how close to the fight I am.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-My Upcoming fight is against Plyfah Sor Nittaya. A very tough Thai opponent who has triple the fight experience and quadruple the training experience. However those are just numbers. The fight is a female world championship fight held in Hua Hin, Thailand. We fought on the world championship fight show in honor of the Queen in Bangkok on the 12th of August. This was an extremely close bout, ending with me taking the decision on points.
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-Best experiences I would say the opportunities of meeting amazing people that this sport had given me. Inspirational people as well as fight fans. It's taught me a lot about myself, it brings out your best and your worst qualities.
-Worst, I'm going to have to say the weight cuts. Being female our body doesn't work like a man's. Sometimes we cut easier than others. My last fight of last year, I only had 600g to lose and it took me over 2 hours. So, the hormones and weight cuts don't always work together.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in Martial Arts?
-I was very intimidated at first, rolling on the floor in such close proximity to the boys was daunting at first. I felt shy and nervous. However, there are a lot more females in the sport now and males are more accepting of females training these days too. Then finally, once you are rolling, you both are so focused on the techniques and the aspects of the sport, it's not at all invasive nor does it feel uncomfortable, even if your partner is male.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-I came back from a badly torn shoulder from BJJ (kimora sweep), doctors telling me I'd never compete again. For the moment, I'm doing standup only, focusing on Muay Thai. The specialists fear if I'm caught in a lock again and injure it that they won't be able to operate. So, I'm left to focus on stand up. I aspire to make my name internationally recognized and pursue the sport with 100% commitment. Giving the sport exposure, particularly to aspiring female athletes.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-Holy Holm, Joanna Jedrzejczyk and the Diaz brothers.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I have very little free time, when I do have free time I literally just want to do nothing.....so relax and eat peanut butter LOL. Well, generally anything outdoors is my go to activity, like a hike or a bush walk, something with water involved or quad biking. I write for Fightmag, so this I do around training as well. 😊
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?
-There are a few places I'd like to fight in, such as USA, UK and Russia. So, I guess my plans are to stay as active as I can by taking as many fights as possible. Continually developing my style as a fighter, making connections with people and inspiring others. Once I'm done fighting I'd like to teach others.
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I'd like to express my gratitude to my sponsors, some have been by my side throughout my journey and others are one off' for this upcoming fight. Rocktape Australia, Fighter Alias, Nutrition station North Strathfield, Eat For Performance, Fight mindset.
-To my Trainer, Andrew Parnham, and his family for all they do for me. You know exactly how to calm me, motivate me and support me. Singpayak, Gwang Ngern and the team at PTJ, much love.
-I have family all over the world and I'd like to tell all of you how much I value your support.
Thank you Parviz Iskenderov and Fightmag for always believing in and backing me 100%. Nathan Parnham, my strength coach from The Performance Team, no words to express how grateful I am for the time and effort spent with me in the gym. Thank you to all at Santai for taking me in and working countless hours to perfect techniques. My trainer specifically, Manasak, has been really great at being able to read me (us women are hard to train). All the trainers at the gym, Nik and Ood and all my teammates who are always there to help and guide me.
-To my friends who never miss fight updates, you are the best. Justin, the little things you do and say leading up to a fight mean more than you know.
-Lastly to the amazing following I have built over such a short time. To all my Instagram, Facebook and Twitter followers, those who I have met and those who I have not. Your messages, comments and post engagements push me to work harder so as to continue being an inspiration to you.
Thank you very much for your time Yolanda and good luck on fight night! See the poster above for more event information and click here to watch the fights via live stream on Saturday. Send your shout outs to Yolanda on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and visit her website!
Posted on January 24, 2017 by www.babesofmma.com
Plyfah Sor Nittaya defeated Yolanda Schmidt via decision.
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