Well, Julianna and Amanda are both amazing athletes and coaches. For me, I would rather be under Amanda. She has an incredible strike, and obviously Julianna too. Amanda being a black belt in jiu-jitsu, I think I have the best jiu-jitsu of all the girls on this card. It is my strength. So if I can really work in wrestling, anti-wrestling and hard hitting, I’ll be unstoppable. However, I think Julianna is also very good at these things. So for me, it comes down to the fact that Amanda has been a hero of mine since before I can remember. She was one of the first three women I saw fight and I was like, ‘Oh my God, she hits like a truck, I want to learn how to do this.’ Look at those shoulders, I have big shoulders. If I learn to throw these bad boys the right way, I’ll be unstoppable.
You’ve also been a commentator for a few smaller organizations in the past, how has that helped your confidence? Does it give you a different perspective on the fight?
Commenting helps because it gives you confidence in your voice and your speech. I will say that I have only been a lead commentator once. On top of that, I started out with just a few fights, and my first two times commentating, I messed up so much with the names of the referees, and if I misspoke a fighter’s name, I was constantly questioning myself . But the thing is, it’s hard if you don’t talk to them before the game. But what I’ve learned is that people care more about what you say to them while they’re fighting and how you choose your words.
TUF 30 RECAP: Episode 1 | Episode 2 | Episode 3 | Episode 4
Commenting really helped me choose my speech intelligently. I learned to be confident in my voice, and I also learned that it’s fun to look good on camera. Just because you’re a killer doesn’t mean you should underestimate your personality. My personality is wild and free. I’m everywhere. I’m a bit crazy and I like to have fun. So even though there’s a fun side to me I’m glad the world sees the motivational parts that even if you’re not the best fighter in the world there are other things about this sport that you can be a part of. Some of the best trainers in the world aren’t the best fighters. Some of the best fighters in the world won’t be the best coaches.
Why do you think you will be the one to win the 30th season of The Ultimate Fighter?
I believe I’m going to be the one to win this season because I’m hard-headed and constantly working on my emotional intelligence. I believe in myself, and in the most respectable way. I don’t take anything away from the other girls. I’m the youngest on this map and I have the least experience. However, I don’t think anyone in this room has done the emotional intelligence work or classes that I took. I know how to make my brain work, and I’m strong in my brain. Sometimes I think people’s performances end up being a little tired when the pressure is on. When the pressure mounts, or when they’ve been living with someone too long, or when they miss their home. I am prepared for all of this, and I have trained my mind for all of this. There is nothing that can break me. I can lose a fight and I still won’t be broken. However, you won’t see me losing now.
