By Katrina Belcher (KatrinaBelcher@mmaratings.net)
Mixed Martial Arts or MMA is not new. In fact, many of the martial arts systems that make up MMA have been around for centuries.
Most fans and fighters know quite a bit about MMA, so the sport is not necessarily new to them. What is new, however, at least to most fans, is how MMA works – that is the business side of things. There are so many people who make up MMA – fighters, promoters, announcers, referees, judges, state athletic commissioners and more.
To get a better idea of this business we all love called MMA, I’ve started a series of interviews with a variety of MMA-related professionals. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the pro’s I’ve interviewed, please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you!
For the first interview in this series, we turn to Amanda LaVoy – a female MMA fighter who recently turned professional, so she definitely knows the ropes. Don’t let her looks fool you, she’s tough and creative. In fact, she’s an artist!
KB: What do you think is the hardest thing for MMA fighters who want to go pro?
Amanda: I think the hardest thing for amateur MMA fighters trying to go pro is having to fight under different rules than professional MMA fighters for most or all of their amateur careers. Many fighters don’t bother even practicing the skills that they aren’t allowed to use until they have the record that they think is good enough to turn professional. Unfortunately they still might not be ready to turn pro but won’t find that out until after their pro debut. I understand that some states have amateur rules in place to protect amateurs but they only need to be protected to a point. After 3 to 5 matches amateur MMA fighters should be able to fight under the same rules as professional MMA fighters. Then their trainers and promoters alike would be able to see when they are ready to turn pro.
KB: What do you feel needs to change in MMA to make this sport better?
Amanda: I have watched a lot of MMA and I think the time allotted for each round needs to change. As a professional and amateur, I have fought three 5 min, 3 min, and 2 min rounds. Two and 3 min rounds are too short and 5 min rounds are too long. Two min rounds are only for amateurs but 3 min rounds are too short also. I have seen many fights that would have been much better if the fighters didn’t have the extra time that 5 min rounds give to stall the action. As opposed to boxers, where they fight 12-3 min rounds but strictly use (their) finely honed hand skills, I think that three 4 min rounds seems about right for all the skills involved. MMA requires submissions, takedowns, and a much larger group of striking skills.
KB: Do you recommend MMA fighters train just before a fight, or all the time?
Amanda: I think its best for MMA fighters to train all the time, but unless a fighter is able to make their living from MMA most of the time it just isn’t possible for them to do so. Many pro fighters can’t support themselves on their MMA career alone, especially when they first start out.
KB: Do you feel MMA will ever go mainstream?
Amanda: Yes, absolutely! I believe it’s well on it’s way.
KB: How difficult for you has it been to get fights as a professional female MMA fighter?
Amanda: I just went into the professional ranks a month ago and don’t have enough experience to comment on this question yet.
KB: What do you do when you’re not training or coaching?
Amanda: Work, go to school and try to have fun!
KB: I understand you are also an artist. Is there some place where your fans could view your work? And how about a small plug here: if anyone wants to help support Amanda in her prof-fighting career, be sure to check out her pottery and purchase something!
Amanda: Yes! They can visit my site and click on the “Store” tab – and thanks for the mention!
KB: Amanda – it’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for MMA fans!
Amanda: Thank you so much – and best wishes for a very Happy New Year! to you as well Katrina!
As a fighter, you know you’re a pro when your fights are listed on Sherdog.com and mixedmartialarts.com. Amanda’s listed on both; and she fights out of Michigan for American Karate and Kickboxing Academy. Her most recent fight was in July 2009, where she fought at the Tuff Girls event for the Tuff ‘n Uff promotion against MaEisha Lowe. If you want to see a crazy wicked reversal watch the fight below.
For more info: Visit Amanda LaVoy’s website.
