Interview with MMA Fighter Roxanne Modafferi: Part II

This is the second half of a two-part interview between Alexia Krause and professional MMA fighter Roxanne Modafferi. You can see part one here. The interview is brought to you courtesy of MMA Industries. Check out their selection of quality MMA gear, MMA clothing, and other martial arts equipment.

 There is no doubt that you are delightful to work with, but how exactly did you get the nickname, "The Happy Warrior?" Are you a glass is half-full kind of gal?

The nickname "The Happy Warrior" was giving to me by a long-time fan and friend on my MySpace account.  In one of mmmy blog comments last year, he wrote, "You are the happy warrior!"  I've been trying to get a nickname for years, but somehow "The Crusher" didn't exactly fit the bill.  I think this nickname suits me perfectly!  I always try to look on the bright side.

Let's talk about your last fight. Last July, you matched up with Sarah Kaufman, who pulled a KO by a power bomb slam, securing her the Strikeforce Welterweight Title. It looked like you fought the better fight most of that night, and were just about to get her into an arm bar when she lifted you off the ground. Would you say you learned a lot from that loss, or you just got caught up in your submission attempt?

I was very pleased with my performance against Sarah.  It pretty much went how I expected; she had the upper hand in a straight-out striking match, but I was able to handle her if we clinched or went to the ground.  I knew she would be physically stronger, so I started getting worried that I'd get tired in the later rounds, which is one reason I pulled guard in the third.  Actually, I've been slammed before, so I wasn't worried as she was lifting me up.  I couldn't believe it when after I went down, I couldn't get back up.  As for what I learned, I guess that slams can be more dangerous than I thought.  Or I should snap on the sub more quickly. :)

You just recently announced that Strikeforce released you, which we're all sad to hear. You've mentioned that you are looking to find a way for a rematch with either Kaufman; or another tough loss, Marloes Coenen.  What are your plans for the future? Do you have some sort of training regimen you're working on? Any other fighters you'd like to seek out?

As a female fighter living in Japan, I've always had trouble getting any fight offers.  It's kind of expensive to fly me in with a corner man, plus hotel and a decent purse.  I'm open to receiving any offers.  I still want to avenge my losses.  I have tried to adjust my training regimen to strengthen myself in areas I feel are lacking.

Roxanne, it's been a pleasure. I can't thank you enough for your sharing your time with me, and our readers.  Anything you'd like to add?

Thank you very much, Alexia! 

I'd just like to add that if you want to be an MMA fighter, it's important to find something that you really like and become a specialist in it.  The more time I spend in this sport, the more I realize that it's not enough to become well-rounded.  If you're kind of good at everything, then you kind of win sometimes.  But, for example, if you get a little good at striking and REALLY good at wrestling, then you can take anybody and everybody down at will, and deal with them from there.  Or vice versa, you become known for your KO power.  Everyone wants to see something unusual and exceptional.  Megumi Fuji can shoot in, attach herself to your leg while you're still standing, and finish the ankle lock before your body actually hits the ground as you tip over.

I want to give a huge thanks to my kickboxing trainer Sean Frew, my MMA coach Kiuma Kunioku, grappling instructor Hiroyuki Abe, my manager Shu Hirata, and all my fans!  Come chat with me in my chat room sometime, usually evenings USA Time.

You can find the latest news about Roxanne Modafferi on her personal blog.

View alexia's Profile

• Filed Under:  
• Boxing, Martial Arts, MMA, Gear & Equipment, Sexism