FEMALE FIGHTER FELICE HERRIG INTERVIEW
Posted on | July 21, 2007 | 1 Comment
Oxygen’s latest reality series “Fight Girls “ stars Felice Herrig
INTERVIEW BY: MICHAEL FOUNTAIN
“Fight Girls” follows 10 female fighters who are training in Muay Thai or Thai boxing. They live together, work out together, and then face one another in the ring. Only five of the ladies will earn a spot to travel to Thailand to compete in the World Muay Thai Championships. Felice and the other Ladies are training under Master Toddy with the help of 2 World Champions, Lisa King and Gina Carano. Master Toddy Has trained over 40 World Champions.
Felice “Lil Bulldog” Herrig is a 2X Nat’l & 2X World Kickboxing Champion. You can watch her on the Oxygen channel on Tuesdays at 10:30 pm est. this summer. If you would like to sponsor here you can contact her at:
I recently interviewed Herrig and asked her about the show and her career.
1. What path led you to professional mixed martial arts?
I grew up watching my dad and brother in-law train in martial arts… I always wanted to do it myself. I was always very strong and aggressive and very athletic. But, my family didn’t have the money to put me in any sports. All through high school I worked. My brother in-law worked at a martial arts school. When I was 18 he asked me to come in and check out the school. I came in, and the first time I went in I knew that I wanted to be a fighter. I had my first fight about 6 months later, and I’ve been fighting ever since
2. Are there any extra hurdles being a female in pro MMA or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?
It’s very hard for females to find fights. There aren’t many female fighters out there. It’s hard for girls to be taken seriously, especially since a lot of girls don’t take the sport that seriously. I’m very competitive and I find that a lot of girls only want a padded record. Of course there are women out there who take the sport very seriously, but it’s hard for them to be taken seriously.
3. What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?
I love being in a sport that is seen as mainly a male sport. I take a lot of pride in being a female in the sport who is actually girly.
4. Who are some of the people who have influenced you?
My dad and brother in-law have really influenced me a lot.
5. What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?
There are so many things that I love to do aside from MMA. But, I must tell you that fighting is my biggest passion. And I love training. I love anything outdoors… I love camping and fishing. I love taking pictures and working on my scrapbook. I’m very artistic and love to draw. I always wanted to be an actress. I love improv comedy. It was always a dream of mine to be on Saturday Night Live. I love trying new things, especially food. I’ll try anything. The only food I don’t like is chicken noodle soup. I could go on and on about what I love to do. I’m also really into health and fitness. I do a lot of reading about these topics.
6. Who’s someone in particular you’ve always admired in the sport and why?
I really like Randy Couture. I think I like him so much because he’s one of the older fighters in the sport, but he’s still such a badass. And I love [George] St. Pierre; he’s such a well-rounded fighter with great technique and skills. He makes me jump out of my seat when I watch him fight.
7. What is one of your most memorable fights?
I would have to say my most memorable fight was when I fought Stephanie Kernan for the second time. She was the very first girl I ever fought. I had only been training for a short amount of time. She had been fighting her whole life. I rematched her about a year ago, and the fight ended up being a draw, but it really showed me just how far I’ve come in the sport in such a short amount of time.
8. What would you say to young fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?
Make sure you are really ready. So many people turn pro before they are ready and it destroys their careers.
9. How was the whole fight girls experience? Living, training and fighting on a national TV show?
Being on the show was an opportunity of a life time. It was the biggest accomplishment in my life. It was so hard being on the show, though. It was hard being on someone else’s regimen and having to get permission to leave the house. All the girls on the show trained so hard. We trained 2 times a day every day. We didn’t have any days off. My body was pushed to the limit. But now that it’s over it feels so great to have accomplished what I’ve accomplished.
10. What was it like to fight in Thailand?
Thailand was hot, hot, and hot. But I loved the training because I never had to get warmed up. It was scary fighting in Thailand, but I always seem to be less nervous when I’m taken out of my element.
11. What’s it like when you get in the ring or cage and the Ref says FIGHT?
The moment I step into the ring all my worries and fears go away because I know the time has finally come for me to show everyone what the “Lil’ Bulldog” can do.
12. Where is Pro MMA headed?
As far as females go, I really think that the Fight Girls show will open up a lot of doors for all the female fighters out there.
13. Will Pro MMA take the spotlight away from Boxing? Or is there room for both sports in the hearts of fight fans?
I really think that all the hype is where the most promoting is done. I personally love boxing. And most people want to see the fights standing up. Fights aren’t as interesting when it goes to the ground. I think the people who have the money to promote fighting will promote what they want to promote. I don’t know whether it’s boxing or mma. I think that boxers have so much skill. I hope there’s enough room for both the sports. Although they are both combat sports they are both different and appeal to different fans.
14. What’s next for Females in Pro MMA?
I hope promoters show more female fighters in MMA. But, the females have to prove that they deserve it. A lot of promoters don’t want female fighters on their show. That’s why all us girls have to stick together and prove ourselves worthy
15. There are so many fighters out there today in so many weight classes it’s hard for the fans to say who is the best female or male fighter. What do you think? Who do you think is the best female? And male? And why?
That’s a very tough question because there are so many different fighters in different weight classes. And everyone has their different fighting styles. There are a lot of great fighters out there but some fighters don’t fight worthy opponents, and they are never tested… I’m sorry i am gonna have to pass on that question. Although if I was going to pick a male fighter I’d pick St. Pierre
16. Who would you like to fight next?
Lisa King
17. What’s next for you?
Right now I’m working on lining up some fights. Not sure if I’ll be fighting in boxing, kickboxing, muay Thai, or MMA. It just depends on what opportunities come up for me.
18. I am a big fan of Gina Carano’s. The first time I saw her fight on the Elite XC Showtime card I was hooked. What was it like to train and fight with her.
Gina is such a great person. She is so positive and inspirational. It was a great honor to work with her.
