Fight Lab 16 Ring Babes

Fight Lab Promotions rocked its sixteenth event this past Saturday.  Thanks to our friends Tom Bakley and Greg Briley Photography for sharing some hot pics of the ladies.  Check out from top to bottom Tiffany, Brittany and Ashley!

MMA Training with Kelli Hutcherson

Strikeforce ring babe Kelli Hutcherson recently found herself doing MMA training at Throwdown Training Center in Las Veges, NV.  MMA 30 caught all the action seen here and more on their Facebook page.

Chrissy Blair - UFC 133 Guest Octagon Babe

You may have noticed a new face around the octagon last night.  That was guest ring babe Chrissy Blair.  Chrissy earned the spot as the winner of the annual Miss Trans World Motocross model search.  Chrissy is a 22-year old recent college grad hailing from Orlando, FL.  For more on Chrissy check out her official website.

Hang with Brittney Palmer for the UFC 133 Pre and Post-fight Parties

If you're in Philadelphia for UFC 133 be sure to get to the official pre (8/5, yes a day late on this one but tweeted earlier) and post-fight (8/6) parties hosted by UFC ring babe Brittney Palmer.

Fighter Babe Michelle "Tough Love" Tyler Returns to the Cage Tomorrow

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with fighter babe Michelle “Tough Love” Tyler. Michelle exploded onto the UK MMA scene with her debut knockout this past December. Michelle’s much anticipated return to the cage will be tomorrow at Ultimate Challenge 22 (UCMMA) against Celine Haga in Troxy, London. Check out what else Michelle had to say in our interview below.

How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?

-I was working as a sales manager in quite a high pressured environment. I decided I needed to take a bit more personal time and get a hobby. As I was under a little bit of stress with work I thought boxing or Thai boxing would be a great way to relieve a bit of tension. I had done a bit of Thai boxing at a younger age which I learned about from my uncle. I had seen the UFC at his house when I was young and thought it was great, much more entertaining than the boxing which was usually on. So after a few Thai boxing fights I decided to go to the best MMA gym I knew of (London Shootfighters) and learn to fight on the ground with the intention of having a mixed martial art bout as soon as possible.

Where are you currently training and what's a typical training week like for you?

-I train at London Shootfighters. There are several classes on every day consisting of bjj, wrestling, boxing, Thai boxing and shoot boxing. I will do one or two of these classes, then have some personal training with my coaches on pad work and other techniques. In addition to these classes I also include regular sparring and cardio training.

What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?

-My best experiences as a fighter would have to be the support you receive from your gym, coaches, friends and family. It's great to see how happy and proud they are when you perform well.

-As for the worst thing, well there is always something good to come out of something bad. The wrong gym will encourage you to choose another one, injury will make you want to train harder and losing a fight will motivate to be better.

What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?

-There are many more gyms that now teach MMA. Maybe take a friend with you and just try as many different martial arts until you find one or more that you love. If you are doing it with the intention of competing then make sure to choose a gym with a good reputation, and that u feel confident of the instructors.

What are some of the hurdles that you think Women in MMA need to overcome before Women's MMA will be considered a top level sport like Men's MMA is today?

-I think it's just a matter of time really. Women are already overcoming any hurdles they are facing by getting out there and competing proving that Women’s MMA is a sport that people enjoy to watch and have respect for.

When do you think we will see women’s divisions in the UFC?

-Not long hopefully. I hear there are already meetings between Strikeforce and Dana White discussing this.

What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?

-MMA is a fantastic way to keep your mind and body strong. I gave up a very good career in sales to follow my dream of doing something I love every day, no matter how different or crazy it seemed to other people. I get inspired by people around me every day when I see how much they put into this sport sometimes with very little reward or recognition in return. Thank God I have been very fortunate so far with all the support I get from fans of MMA, so that inspires me to go on and realize that I made the right decision.

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-The list is endless, from Ken Shamrock and Rampage Jackson to Dan Hardy. But I love to watch Jose Aldo.

How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting? Any hobbies?

- I Love to eat, cuddle and be lazy. I spend most of my free evenings at the cinema watching action films especially Marvell Comic films.

Any future plans or dreams?

-Yes many! I plan to box more and continue learning and improving all my MMA skills. Travel to other countries to train and compete. I hope to fight all the best girls at my weight, get a contract with UFC, and achieve something that will make my parents and possible children proud and inspired to do something they really want to.

Thank you very much for your time Michelle and we wish you all the best with your fight tomorrow and all your future plans and dreams. To keep up on Michelle’s awesome career please see her website and say hello to her on Twitter @michelle_tyler7.

Sexy Video of Strikeforce Babe Jazmin Sparks

Jazmin Sparks from Aurenthia on Vimeo.
Check out the teaser video of Strikeforce babe Jazmin Sparks created by Aurenthia Studios and Sara Lewis.  Say hello to Jazmin on Twitter @JazminSparks.

Nicdali Calanoc and Felice Herrig Smokin Stare Down Take 2

While walking around the concourse at Strikeforce this past Saturday in Hoffman Estates, IL with friend and sponsored fighter Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc you will never guess who we ran into? Yes, you guessed it, Felice Herrig her last opponent. These two beautiful ladies already made that famous stare down being dubbed the best and hottest in MMA history at XFO 39 this past May in this exact same building. So did they throw down again? For now we have another sexy stare down between these two with a future rematch coming. Say hello to both on Twitter @Nicdali and @feliceherrig.

MMAthletics Catches up with Mercedes Terrell

Check out the sexy video of Bellator stunner Mercedes Terrell brought to you by MMAthletics.

Rachel Shine Brightens our Day

We recently came across some new pictures from MMA ring babe and model Rachel Shine.  Hope Rachel brightens your Monday as much as she did for ours.

July 2011 MMA Babe of the Month - Nicole Craner

Our July 2011 MMA babe of the month is MMA model and ring girl Nicole Craner. Nicole is a small town girl from Coeur d' Alene, Idaho and spent her summers on the beach in Nor-Cal. She went to college for two years and has been a Legal Secretary for 6 years. Nicole has a huge passion for MMA. She has ring carded for Strikeforce, Pro-Battle MMA, Tuff Nuff and Shark Fights. She was a finalist for the Maxim UFC Octagon girl search. Nicole has been featured in Maxim, FHM, Extreme Fighter Magazine Centerfold and Skinnie Magazine. She is currently in the 2011 Playboy Intimates Model Search, 2011 Maxim Hometown Hottie Contest and a Suggested Follower of Playboy Magazine on Twitter.

How did you get into the world of MMA?

-I started renting the videos when the UFC first started with Royce Gracie and there were no weight classes. I remember watching Royce walk into the ring and he was such a little guy going up against bigger guys! I honestly thought to myself, what is this guy going to do? And then he amazed me. He was so agile, fast, patient and unbelievable. I kept asking my boyfriend if this was fake. It reminded me of Bloodsport in a way and the Kumite but the actual real thing and not actors...lol. Very cool.

Who are your favorite MMA fighters?

-I have a few ;). I tend to like the unknowns. The fighters that are stealth and you don't see them coming and then BAM there in your face. A fighter that brings something new to the sport that no one has seen whether it's a certain style or charisma. A perfect example would be Dominick Cruz. His style is unorthodox, his footwork is nothing anyone has seen or can copy and you never know which side he's coming from because he's in and out so fast. I also like the way he presents himself. He is very low key and not about the fame and hype. He's there because he loves what he does. A perfect Champion. I think he deserves way more credit than he gets. You hear people say "he doesn't finish fights". From a fan's perspective or at least mine, it’s not about the power of a KO; it's about giving your all. Cruz is battling all 5 rounds every fight almost. I would rather watch someone, bleed, sweat and put their heart on the line than knock someone out in 5 seconds. It's all about heart, passion and hard work. It's way more memorable to me.

-BJ Penn has also always been one of my favorites. Every time his walk out song plays it sends me back to islands in Kona, Hawaii where I used to live. I get sooo mellow and pumped at the same time. I am always out of my seat for his fights. He also has great dimples which makes it easy.

-Nick Diaz is also a favorite. He has a crazy fighting style that I love to watch but what I like most about him is he is real. He doesn't put on a show and he says how he feels. He also constantly challenges himself such as wanting to fight GSP. He is true to who he is. He speaks his mind and I respect that. I think he is one of the best fighters of all time.

-Matt Hughes is a favorite because he is such a humble man and a family man. I was sitting by him at an event a couple years ago and his fighter was getting ready to fight in the ring. I looked over and Matt’s head was down. I asked him if he was meditating. He said “no, I am praying”. I gained a lot of respect from him in that moment. He prays for everyone one of his fighters that steps into the ring. I think that is awesome and it shows his true character.

What are the strangest and sweetest comments MMA fans have said to you?

-I like the comments from the little kids that are at our events. They are sooo sweet and shy. One little boy told me "I was going to be his girlfriend one day". It was sweet.

-Well, I was at a Shark Fights event with my friend Natalie Skyy and we were walking back to our hotel room from eating breakfast and a guy behind the convenience store completely flashed us. I will never forget that picture. :)

What is something most people don't know about you?

-I love to dance. I've been dancing since I can remember. I think my true calling has always been dance but life takes us down different paths. I was working at a law firm a couple years ago and our computers went down. A computer guy came in and started working on them for us. I had never met or seen the guy in my life. He looked over at me and asked me if “I liked to dance"? I got really embarrassed at that moment because I thought maybe he had seen me at the bar dancing the weekend before with my friends. I replied "yes" and asked I asked him if he went out last weekend" and he said "no, that he doesn't frequent bars". Then he replied "God speaks to me and he loves the way you dance so keep dancing". I was freaked out as I had never met that guy in my life and I wondered how he knew that dancing was a passion of mine. After he left I asked my boss who he was and she said he was a missionary who builds churches in Africa and around the world and speaks the word of god. I said "So he doesn't frequent bars" and she said "Umm, No, he's been doing this his whole life". I had goose bumps. I still dance around my house to this day. :) Hopefully, god will let me dance at the gates of heaven...wishful thinking ;)

What are your hobbies and how do you spend your free time?

-I love to travel and see different places, dance, shop and I love the beach.

Are you single?

-No.

What do you look for in a guy?

-I am very picky which is a curse and blessing all in its own. It’s all about chemistry for me. I have to feel it first. Whether its eye contact or a vibe I feel. I like a man who is strong and confident in whom they are, but isn't overbearing. I look for someone who is going to bring out the best in me and not bring me down or forget I am there because they are so into themselves. I look for charisma, style, and someone who will challenge me and stimulate my mind. There is also nothing more sexy than a man that can make me laugh and dance.

What are your turn-ons?

-A man who smells amazing.... ;) I love a guy who wears his hat backwards. I have no idea why but it's a head turner for me. I love a guy who can dance. A man who has style and dresses well. Someone who makes me laugh. Abs and eyes. Someone who is humble and true to themselves.

What are your turnoffs?

-Cocky men, unappreciative people who take advantage, people that bring other people down.

What would you say if your best feature?

-My eyes.

What are your future plans or dreams in life?

-I am currently a Legal Secretary. I would like to go to Law School in Santa Cruz, California eventually, have a beach house there and model as long as I can.

Thank you very much for your time Nicole and wish you success in all your future plans and dreams. Say hello to Nicole on Facebook, on Twitter @nicolecraner and be sure to vote for Nicole at Playboy Intimates!