Roxanne Modafferi Interview
Posted on | July 31, 2007 | No Comments
Interview with Roxanne Modafferi
By Michael Fountain
MICHAEL’S MYSPACE PAGE
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite MMA fighters, Roxanne Modafferi. Roxanne is one the top up and coming females in MMA today.
Roxanne is currently living and training in Japan. Along with teaching English to the Japanese people and training in MMA, Roxanne finds time to work on writing a fantasy novel. Roxanne is living a life most of us only dream of. I am even more of a fan of Roxanne’s and Female MMA after doing this interview.
1. What path led you to professional mixed martial arts?
I first started karate at a young age because I thought it was cool. As I went from that to Judo, I became serious in my quest for strength- mental, physical, and spiritual. I see fighting as a test and a challenge to all aspects of one’s being, more than a blood-and-guts war. I was lead to MMA in particular by my Judo friends who were into the UFC and encouraged by those I trained with. Without their support, and continued support from fans and training partners alike, I couldn’t have made it this far. Now that I’m a professional, I have the chance to train with the best and truly improve myself in all aspects.
2. Are there any extra hurdles being a female in pro MMA or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?
A big hurdle is that some men, mostly those who don’t train, don’t want to see women fight because either they think its going be a cat-fight with no technique, or they don’t want to see us get our pretty faces all bloody. Female MMA is being supported more and more recently, now that people see we have actual skills. BODOG FIGHT broadcasts female fights on national TV; there are all women’s cards such as HookNShoot and Fatal Femmes Fighting.
3. What brings you the most fulfillment out of MMA?
Gaining personal courage and strength from MMA has changed my life for the better, enabling me to face any of life’s problems. Many times when I’ve had horrible days, I think to myself, “This is nothing like that one training session I had where my knee felt like fire, I thought I was going to puke and not be able to walk home…”
Getting respect from my teammates for working hard means a lot to me. I never thought I could leave my mark on the world, but now it seems I am pioneering a women’s role in a growing sport.
4. Who are some of the people who have influenced you?
Kirik Jenness, my old coach who runs New England Submission Fighting in Massachusetts, supports me like a father, and always believes in me. Shohei “Dio” Uesugi, a teammate from a previous Muay Thai Gym “Sityodtong” in Boston, also influenced me by pushing me as far as I could go. He trained me in boxing for a while. We only stopped our sessions when I physically couldn’t throw another punch. That definitely toughened me up mentally. Striker and Shooto fighter Kenji Osawa is currently a big inspiration to me, with his boundless energy and love of fighting.
5. What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?
I love my English teaching job, but as far as fun goes, I love watching anime, reading Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time” fantasy series, and writing. I love the Japanese culture and try to go to festivals when they come around.
6. who’s someone in particular you’ve always admired in the sport and why?
I’ve always admired Matt Serra because of his grappling skill, but recently, I look up to the pros at Wajitsu Keishukai. I also admire Megumi Fuji. I would love to see her do a grappling tournament with men close to her weight, and see how long it takes her to submit all of them.
7. What is one of your most memorable fights?
I’d say I had memorable moments in various fights rather than entire fights themselves. For example the moment Marloes Coenen (K-Grace, 5/27/07) shoved me into the cage wall and nearly lifted me off my feet in the process. I had time to think, “Holy crap, strong!” I remember a good deal of my second Jennifer Howe fight. I had her arm in a kimura and a wrist lock at the same time from a top position but she wouldn’t tap. I couldn’t believe it.
8. What would you say to young fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?
Good luck. Try out all kinds of aspects of the sport and cross train. People generally have a favorite, such as liking striking or grappling better, but you have to be willing to train hard, and train everything in order to make it in the MMA world. I advise not giving up on the “real” world, either. If you just become a pro-fighter, you’ll probably have no money. If you get hurt, your career might be over in an instant. Go to college, learn a trade, and train at the same time.
9. Do you usually have a game plan, at least for the first moments of the match?
I have a general game plan, but I get into trouble when I set my mind to do something. I try and adapt to what my opponent throws at me, so to speak.
10. What’s it like to fight over seas?
There’s really not that much difference basically, besides being more exciting that you’re taking a trip and having all expenses paid.
11. What’s it like when you get in the ring or cage and the Ref say’s FIGHT?
My mind is already in fight mode, and I’m thinking about how fast I can get to my opponent.
12. Where is Pro MMA headed?
It’s an exciting sport. I think it’s being embraced world-wide. Soon there will be tons of opportunities and more money for fighters.
13. Will Pro MMA take the spotlight away from Boxing? Or is there room for both sports in the hearts of fight fans?
I think there is room for both sports, but just the fact that MMA is new, it’s kind of stealing the spotlight at the moment. Or maybe that’s because I don’t give a fig about boxing.
14. What’s next for Females in Pro MMA?
BODOG is giving females a lot of chances to become famous and get money. BODOG is also showcasing their lives and their effort, which I commend heartily. Fatal Femmes Fighting and other organizations are also making headlines, which is educating the previously resistant spectators, possibly making fans out of them. Smack Girl is also taking a hint and making acceptations to its 30 second ground rule.
IF I don’t ask the next couple of questions I will never be able to live with myself.
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?
I think Megumi Fuji is the best female MMA fighter. She’s not in my weight division so I’m not concerned about fighting her, but someday I hope to. Right now, I have my sites set on Amanda Buckner, Laura D’August and Tara LaRosa. To my delight, there are also other upcoming women fighters who are tough, so there’ll be no shortage of opponents in my 135 division. As for best male, gosh, I have no idea.
16. Who would you like to fight next?
Amanda Buckner, Laura D’August and Tara LaRosa, Shayna Baszler, Julie Kendzie, wow a lot.
17. What’s next for you?
I’m fighting one of the above in BODOG soon.
18. With Female fighters in the spotlight recently (Fight girls, Bodogfight) Do you think that UFC and the New Pride when it starts up, will begin to include female fighters in there shows?
Dana White said he’s not a fan of women’s MMA, but I’m thinking maybe if he thinks it’ll sell, he’ll consider it. I always wanted to fight in the UFC. It’s been my dream for the longest time. Now, so many opportunities elsewhere are popping up, I’m not sure how good of a dream it is anymore.
19. I am a big Fan of Gina Carano, Jan Finney, Amanda Buckner, Shayna Baszler and Tara LaRosa just to name a few. Do you think there will ever be an Organization that will be big enough and have the insight to put all the best pro female fighters together?
BODOG is doing a good job of that right now.
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