When I think of fresh faces shaking up the MMA world, two names come to my mind before any other: Brock Lesnar and Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos. Cyborg has wasted little time establishing herself as a top contender in her weight class, and with her black belt in BJJ to back up her deadly stand up attack one would have to think she is the odds-on favorite to beat Gina when they clash.
I recently conducted an e-mail interview with Cyborg. What follows are the highlights.
So I have been hearing a lot of back and forth about the fight between you and Gina. Is it still on? If so is the April date what's going to happen?
I am just waiting [for] Strikeforce to close the deal with Gina and hope it doesn't take so long. It will be a great fight!
What other females do you think are good fights for you?
The female MMA is growing a lot and I am very happy to see that so many good fighters are popping up all over the world. Japan, Canada, Brazil, Holland and USA are producing good fighters and the female MMA field is going to get bigger and bigger.
Have you had talks with Dana White or anyone about the WEC?
No, I never talked to Mr. Dana White or anyone from WEC. I know Mr. White doesn’t like female MMA and he says the female divisions are not big enough to put female fights [in] WEC and UFC, but soon we will conquer more and more respect with excellent fights and he and his company will see that we are capable to make a good league and have a high level competition. Strikeforce will prove that.
I train in Chun Kuk Do and wrestle myself. What advice would you give young aspiring fighters like me?
Keep training and never give up, if you choose to follow this career you need to understand that it’s very hard to keep fighting, training and having a life outside the gym. Money problems will come in the beginning but if you really have the warrior spirit you will keep fighting and training and one day you might be a champion.
Is there an age you would like to stop fighting?
I am 23 years old and don't think about the day [I am] going to stop. The only thing I know is that in the middle of my career I will make a short break to have a baby and then come back to train as soon as possible. Everything is in God´s hand.
There is a lot of talk about what the most loaded division is in female MMA. What are your thoughts?
I believe my division has the most exciting female fighters. From 135 to 155 you find the hardest women in sport.
Chevelle Hallback was one of the fighters who had you on her radar. Were you surprised to see her lose recently?
I am prepared [for] any kind of situation and fight; if she wants to fight go get a deal with Strikeforce...I am right here.
If a fighter has a really strong stand up game and is transitioning to MMA what do you think is the most important area they need to work - BJJ or wrestling?
It´s MMA - it’s a mix - therefore you need to practice everything; there’s no martial art more important [than another]. A fighter needs to be well-rounded in every field and smart enough to recognize his weaknesses and train more on that specific field.
How far do you think female MMA will go over the rest of this decade?
I see with very good eyes the female MMA field future. The athletes will be better, the shows will pay more money, the fans will enjoy more the fights, and it’s going to be wild!
Thanks for your time. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
I´d like to thank first of all God - without Him I am nothing. I also want to thank my fans, my training partners, my coaches, my managers and my sponsors, especially Namman Muay Thai. Thank you very much, it was a pleasure.
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Flashing Blade
