FIGHT CHIX

2011-08-05T11:39:00.001-05:00

Heading to the post office/Lisle and UPS store in Naperville/Naper Blvd..if you find me today stop and say Hi and I'll give you sum FightChix stickers!!! ;) lol

2010-11-29T15:51:00.001-06:00

CYBER MONDAY!!!!! Buy Any 2 Fight Chix shirts and get a FREE wristband! ;) Sign up for our e-mail and get 25% off your entire order!

2010-11-26T07:29:00.001-06:00

FIGHTCHIX BLACK FRIDAY SALE!! 20% OFF ALL ORDERS!!! 30-50% OFF SELECT ITEMS!!! ;)
http://blog.fightchix.com/?p=860

2010-04-28T09:48:00.001-05:00

WonderWomanWednesday Let's get it done 2day ladies!! To my bestest @MissRaRa @CynthiaSally <3 ;)

2010-04-28T09:46:00.001-05:00

WonderWomanWednesday Let's get it done 2day ladies!!! To me bestest @MissRaRa @CynthiaSally <3 ;)

2010-04-21T12:22:00.001-05:00

Yea! I love WonderWomanWednesday ;) This goes out to all my girls in MMA and bestest--You know who you are! Let's get it done today!!

2010-04-06T10:51:00.001-05:00

If you're able to be yourself, then you have no competition. All you have to do is get closer and closer to that essence.
-- Barbara Cook

2010-02-26T10:58:00.001-06:00

WOW! Who's seen this Chuck Liddell video of him working out nude?? LOL http://ping.fm/htRQ5

2010-01-25T10:02:00.001-06:00

Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box

2010-01-18T09:50:00.001-06:00

Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King Jr.

2010-01-17T22:47:00.001-06:00

Check out the NEW FIGHTCHIX Video http://bit.ly/5dqOSs :)

2010-01-08T15:57:00.001-06:00

Fortune cookie says: Your talents will be recognized and suitably rewarded. Yea--I'm liking this one!!! =)

2009-12-28T11:17:00.001-06:00

The first step to better times is to imagine them.

2009-11-19T14:07:00.001-06:00

Starting right now until midnight friday, get 20% off at www.fightchix.com with coupon code "NEWMOON"

2009-11-16T14:27:00.001-06:00

Fortune cookie says: Our first and last love...is self love.

2009-11-11T13:38:00.001-06:00

Are you on our email list yet? Sign up now at www.fightchix.com and get a special gift today!

2009-11-11T12:06:00.001-06:00

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes! ~Maya Angelou
Happy Veterans Day!!! ;)

2009-11-03T13:44:00.001-06:00

http://bit.ly/2CcM0g Check out are article that just came out!! ;)

2009-10-30T12:07:00.001-05:00

You must not let your life run in the ordinary way; do something that nobody else has done, something that will dazzle the world. Show that God's creative principle works in you.
Happy Friday!!!!

2009-10-25T13:52:00.001-05:00

Its my birthday and all day when you enter "BIRTHDAY" on www.fightchix.com you get 29% off! My gift to you for believing in Fight Chix!

2009-10-24T18:44:00.001-05:00

If your in the Santa Monica Blvd. Area tomorrow in Cali--I urge you to go to this event and give your support-http://ping.fm/YP0ZM

2009-10-23T13:20:00.001-05:00

Huge savings from Fight Chix! Enter "TGIF" as the coupon code now until midnight for 45% off at www.fightchix.com

2009-10-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

Please come out and show your support! http://ping.fm/fnVYW

2009-10-20T11:24:00.001-05:00

Please Check out this fundraiser we are so happy to be apart of! http://ping.fm/a8z5s

2009-10-19T11:36:00.001-05:00

Hello Monday!!!! There’s only one thing that can guarantee our failure, and that’s if we quit!
Enjoy your day ;)

2009-10-18T16:28:00.001-05:00

Enter "twitter" today as a coupon code at www.fightchix.com and get 18% your order!

2009-10-15T11:57:00.001-05:00

“A woman is like a tea bag, you can not tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water”

2009-10-15T00:36:00.001-05:00

Jeff Curran will be fighting Nov 7th on the CBS Strikeforce Fedor vs Rogers card at the Sears Center! Good luck Jeff---Fight Chix will be there!

2009-10-14T16:02:00.001-05:00

Get 18% off by entering "twitter" as the coupon code at www.fightchix.com

2009-10-13T16:48:00.001-05:00

"I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars: I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over. " Warren Buffett

2009-10-12T16:04:00.001-05:00

Business is a combination of war and sport.

2009-10-08T13:53:00.001-05:00

Fortune cookie says: "Make two grins grow where there was only a grouch before."

2009-10-07T17:46:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty bummed right now---FightChix did not get nominated for the MMA awards ;( We really pushed for it too!

2009-10-07T15:46:00.001-05:00

Listen to Johnny from FIGHT! mag shout out at FightChix! http://ping.fm/a5gml

2009-10-07T10:54:00.001-05:00

"You can accomplish whatever your mind can see!"

2009-10-06T20:45:00.001-05:00

TODAY is the FINAL DAY---please PLEASE nominate FIGHT CHIX http://ping.fm/0ttlS

2009-10-06T10:09:00.001-05:00

Ok People--TODAY is the FINAL DAY---please PLEASE nominate FIGHT CHIX http://ping.fm/0ttlS

2009-10-02T17:45:00.001-05:00

This week only $10 off signature RARA and Phoenix shirts at www.fightchix.com

2009-09-30T18:41:00.001-05:00

It is the FINAL DAY---please PLEASE nominate FIGHT CHIX http://ping.fm/0ttlS

2009-09-30T15:12:00.001-05:00

For those who have not already sent in their nomination the chance to submit your nomination ends TODAY Wednesday, Sept. 30th. So if you have a few minutes, please nominate (FIGHTCHIX) for BEST clothing manufacturer for the World MMA Awards.

2009-09-30T08:40:00.001-05:00

The next time we see sky it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the bestest stuff for us. But right now they gotta do what's right for them, 'cause it's their time. Their time, up there. Down here it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up "Troy's bucket"

2009-09-29T22:26:00.001-05:00

Will you help FIGHT CHIX? http://ping.fm/F0fxh

2009-09-29T20:04:00.001-05:00

http://ping.fm/GFn74
Check out this!!!! Girl got a FightChix tattoo!!!

2009-09-29T17:01:00.001-05:00

Look at the Hat that JUST arrived---order NOW! http://ping.fm/gH0UD

2009-09-29T16:13:00.001-05:00

Fight Chix needs your help! Nominate us now! http://ping.fm/i9lwZ

2009-09-28T13:28:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to get our NEW FightChix training shorts back in stock!!! ;)

2009-09-27T22:31:00.001-05:00

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along."

Abby Bork

2009-08-31T18:01:00.004-05:00

Without Fight Chix, I would not be the bjj competitor I am today.
There are only a few other girls at my bjj school and dozens of guys. It’s easy for us to feel isolated and out of place. When I look down and see the sexy pink Fight Chix logo on my shirt, I know I’m in the right place. The logo reminds me that I’m not alone on the mat. It reminds me that there are other females out there, training in this male-dominated sport. Fight Chix empowers me to never give up. A sweaty guy might have 60+lbs on me, crushing me with all his weight; it would be easy to just tap and give up. Then, during the struggle, I catch a glimpse of the Fight Chix logo. I think: what if we all just gave up? Where would we be today? Fight Chix gives me the strength to push through my terrible position, progress to a better one, and submit the guy. Thank you, Fight Chix, for empowering me, making me a stronger woman, and a fiercer competitor.

Fight Chix is proud to help Abby out---and for all the girls that want to train like Abby, she credits her BJJ success to Clint Crabtree at the Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy,Team Jorge Gurgel.

Abby recently competed at Jorge Gurgel In-house tournament. She took first place in the light weight division in Gi and No-Gi! She fought in gi absolute and a no gi absolute match against the winners of the heavy weight division. She won her gi absolute match but lost, no-gi absolute match. They were tough matches because she weighted in at 125 and the absolute girls both weighed 160 lbs. Congrats to Abby and awesome job representing FIGHT CHIX

Pound-for-Pound In-Depth: MMA's Top Five Greatest Female Fighters

2009-08-21T12:21:00.001-05:00

(Submission savant Megumi Fujii. Photo courtesy of Sherdog.)

When "Carano vs. Cyborg" pulled in 856,000 viewers on Showtime, it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that there could be a market for women's MMA outside of Japanese all-girl leagues and one-off fights in the U.S. Strikeforce and Bellator are both planning high-profile women's tournaments, and 2010 could be the year that women finally gain some measure of equality in the sport. In honor of the coming revolution, we've launched a top 5 women's pound-for-pound list in our Power Rankings section; get to know these warriors below, and let us know what you think.

*****

1: Megumi Fujii (18-0)
Armed with grappling credentials that include two BJJ championships at the Pan American Games and nine All-Japan Sambo titles, Fujii has tapped 15 of her 18 opponents during her five-year MMA career, and outpointed the other three. Her relentless, inventive ground attack is reminiscent of Kazushi Sakuraba in his prime, and at just 115 pounds, the 35-year-old packs more talent per ounce than any other woman in the world. In a sport where retiring undefeated is a mythical feat, Fujii just might pull it off.
Watch this: Fujii's "Alive" and "Hurt" highlight reels.

2: Tara LaRosa (17-1)

Though Gina Carano and Cris Cyborg draw more attention, hardcore fans know that Tara LaRosa is the most talented female fighter our country has to offer. The former women's bantamweight champ of BodogFight, LaRosa has run through a who's who of U.S. talent including Roxanne Modafferi, Amanda Buckner, Shayna Baszler, and Kelly Kobold. She hasn't lost since 2003, and she's finished her last seven fights by stoppage. The word is that she'll be competing next in a women's 125-pound tournament for Bellator; if that works out, get ready for a whole new batch of YouTube highlights.
Watch this: Tara LaRosa vs. Shayna Baszler

3: Cristiane "Cris Cyborg" Santos (8-1)

If Fujii is the female Sakuraba, then Cyborg is the female Wanderlei Silva. Women's MMA has simply never seen a striker as balls-out aggressive as Cristiane Santos. Though the Chute Boxe product made her name in the U.S. by beating up undersized grapplers, her fight against fellow-kickboxer Gina Carano earlier this month showed what she could do against somebody her own size (i.e., tear her to shreds and eat her soul). Suddenly, 145 pounds is the new marquee weight class in women's MMA — and Santos will be at the top of the heap for a long time to come.
Watch this: Cris Cyborg vs. Gina Carano

4. Yuka Tsuji (22-1)

Nicknamed "Vale Tudo Queen," Tsuji held Smackgirl's 115-pound title from June 2005 until the organization folded last year. In April, the 34-year-old submission specialist won Valkyrie's featherweight championship with a first-round armbar of Kate Martinez. Tsuji's only career defeat — a submission loss to Ana Michelle Tavares — came six years ago, and she defeated Tavares by TKO in a 2007 rematch. The only thing left for her to do is take on Megumi Fujii to determine Japan's true queen of grappling. They can't avoid each other forever...
Watch this: Tsuji's bumpin' highlight reel by "Shorty."

5. Sarah Kaufman (10-0)

MMA's most promising female up-and-comer, Sarah Kaufman transitioned from a background in ballet to a career in knocking girls the hell out. The young Canadian ended her first eight fights by TKO, picking up Hardcore Championship Fighting's 135-pound women's title along the way. Since then, Kaufman has appeared twice in Strikeforce Challengers events, using her pinpoint striking and impressive takedown defense to pound out unanimous decisions against Miesha Tate and Shayna Baszler. Don't be surprised if Sarah becomes Strikeforce's first 135-pound women's champion sometime next year.
Watch this: Sarah Kaufman vs. Miesha Tate

Just outside the Top 5: Roxanne Modafferi, Erin Toughill, Miku Matsumoto, Gina Carano

(BG)

Via Cage Potato

Gina Carano vs Cyborg Santos, an Instant Classic

2009-08-10T15:45:00.001-05:00

When The Ultimate Fighter debuted on Spike TV back in 2005, the sport of Mixed Martial Arts was on life support. MMA needed to have something special happen on free TV to educate the rest of the world that these are trained athletes, in a controlled environment, participating in what is arguably the most exciting sport ever. Dana White has said that the most significant fight in UFC history was between Stephan Bonner and Forrest Griffin. That signal fight may very well have saved the sport of MMA. It had all the makings of a Hollywood movie. A back and forth brawl that left both men bloody and tired and loving every minute of the struggle. The ending was just as happy as both men got the contracts they worked so hard to attain.

Fast forward to 2009. Gina "Conviction" Carano is the face of women's MMA. She has a powerful style that has entertained millions of viewers on Showtime and CBS. She appears shy, almost embarrassed by her success and recognition in her sport. Yes she is a beautiful woman, but make no mistake, she has the skills in the cage to back up the hype that surrounds her. What Gina hasn't had is someone that will push her to the next level. She hasn't faced an opponent that has been bigger than her. She hasn't faced an opponent that people actually stopped and said, "wow I don't know who will win this fight?"

Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos is a wrecking ball on a collision course with Ms. Conviction. Cyborg, who is often seen throwing around her husband of the same nickname, is a beast of an opponent and one that many feel will be a true test for Gina. Cyborg hasn't been to a decision since 2005 and is on a 7 fight win streak with all wins coming by KO or TKO.

This is the matchup and the time for Women's MMA to be put on the map.

This fight is no doubt a highly anticipated match up. It is so hyped that it is the first ever female main event in a major MMA promotion. There is a ton of pressure on these women, not just for a great fight as a main event, but also for the future of women's mixed martial arts.

Jeff Meyers is the owner of TuffNuff based in Las Vegas. He held his first all women's fight card the weekend of UFC 100 and the show was a huge success. The TuffNuff event is know for grooming fighters coming up and getting them ready for the big show. He sees the potential of this fight happening at the right time.

"Right now, the fans are already aware of women's MMA but if they see a Griffen Bonner esque type of matchup, then I will bet that every non beauty pageant mom in America will be telling her daughter to start training in an MMA gym. The pool of talented women fighters is growing rapidly but if this fight lives up to its hype, I would expect to see the talent pool of women mixed martial artists double within a year."

Mixed Martial Arts as a whole has changed the way other athletes approach their sports. More and more MMA style workouts are showing up in pro athletes workout routines. With an explosion in women's MMA the potential is there for the trickle down effects like Jeff says. Even if these women are not looking to compete...you will see women looking up to Gina and Cyborg as strong role models that can empower the female youth of the world to start kicking ass and taking names, or at the very least becoming a fan of the skill and effort of female fighters.

Gina, who is undefeated at 7-0, works hard and remains humble in her approach to the sport. With all the outside pressure of being the face of the sport for women, it is easy to see how the fame could go to her head. She did, after all, appear opposite Bruce Lee on a Super Bowl commercial! The way she has been able to stay grounded in the wake of the hype machine that surrounds her is what sets her apart from many athletes and makes her a fan favorite of both men and woman.

Still, Gina has needed that opponent to validate her ability in the cage. Mika Casey, the owner of MMAwarehouse.com sees this fight as a golden opportunity. "While I think any competitive fights at that level are great for the sport, I think it has the potential to increase female viewership of mixed martial arts. While guys may be divided on it, girls like to watch girls fight. The larger and more diverse the fan base, the better for all of us in this industry."

As the sport of Mixed Martial Arts continues to gain momentum, the women who participate in the sport are not getting the recognition or the purses they deserve. There are plenty of talented female fighters, but very few places for them to display their skills at a high level. Strike Force is opening the door to these female fighters. Just as Forrest and Stephan battled for the life of a sport knocking on the door---expect Gina and Cyborg to kick that door in on August 15 on Showtime.

Back from Vegas

2009-07-17T00:47:00.002-05:00

We headed out to Vegas for historic UFC 100, the all female fight card that Tuff Nuff put on at the Orleans and also checked out the UFC Fan Expo.

This weekend was more like an adventure race. We walked about 15 miles and slept maybe 10 hours...so you know we did Vegas the right way!

The weekend started off when we checked in late Thursday at Luxor. After grabbing a quick bite and some minor gambling we headed over to catch the end of Ryan Loco playing beer pong, Fight Mag's Ben Folkes being mistaken for Michael Bisping, Fight Mag's Johnny Dunn hitting on all the hot wives, and http://www.mmamadness.com/ own Hector Castro and his lovely wife taking it all in.

Friday was a busy day on little sleep---it went like this:
Coffee--UFC Fan Expo---more coffee---pictures, models, fighters, awesome Vandal Sunglasses, Coffee---get the models ready for Cage Fashion, which the CEO of Fight Chix, Elisabeth did a masterful job in selecting and styling models the stole the show. Our girls Kim, Kortnie, and Em all looked smoking hot on the runway at the MIX. Then off to Tuff Nuff's all female Fight Card at the Orleans. Fight Chix was a sponsor and Jeff Meyer and his crew run a classy promotion with awesome talent. This is the type of promotion that if you, as a fan, could run your own promotion---you would run it like Jeff does. And it makes sense because he loves the sport of MMA and the fans and fighters! We then met up with Ka from http://www.vandaleyewear.com/ to party with him at LAX. Ka is seriously one of the coolest cats you'll ever meet and his shade are not just the top of the MMA market---they are top of the line in the sunglasses market!

SAT: (repeat the beginning of Friday) This time we got to spend some time with some of our favorite people Mika, Sarah and yes even John, at the http://www.mmawarehouse.com/ booth. I snagged an iGrapple shirt and it rocks! We also saw Vitor Belfor, Kimbo Slice, and a few other cool fighters. It was great to me Lana from Ladies of Pain and Amanda Lucas who trains with her. We have sponsored her team in the past and they are a very talented group of female fighters. That night---off to the Pool and Mandalay Bay for UFC 100---the night after that got a bit crazy----but hey, it IS Vegas!

UFC Weekend with FIGHT CHIX

2009-07-02T00:04:00.003-05:00

Fight Chix owners will be heading to Vegas for the historic UFC 100. While both Elisabeth and Jake are looking forward to seeing GSP vs Pitbull and Mir vs Lesnar the busy day is actually going to be Friday.

Friday Fight Chix owners will be special guests at the all female fight card TUFF GIRLS at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. TuffNuff is putting on this great card and it will be an awesome warmup to UFC 100. Be ready for highly skilled and techniqual female MMA.

Also on Friday at the top of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay at the MIX, Fight Chix is going to be a part of CAGE FASHION 2. This event is boasting several UFC fighters including Machida and Diego Sanchez amoung others---all working the runway for popular MMA clothing lines in this Rock/Punk themed fashion event.

If you are not going to be in Vegas---and in sweet home Chicago. Come out to Maple Ave Pub at 1227 Maple Ave, in Lisle IL. Fight Chix will be hosting a UFC Viewing party complete with prizes, giveaways and super hot Fight Chix Go Go Dancers! This is an event not to be missed!

New Fight Chix Article Up Now!

2009-06-22T08:45:00.004-05:00

Check out the new article on FIGHT CHIX CEO Elisabeth Nuesser right now at this link:

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/business/1633085,6_3_NA22_FIGHTCHIX_S1-090622.article

Beneath the Surface with Erin Toughill

2009-06-13T10:13:00.001-05:00

Erin Toughill has endured intense hardships starting at a very young age. She has literally been fighting all her life, and through fighting she has found peace. In this very candid interview Erin opens up and lets us see what led her to fighting, what she has had to overcome, who pisses her off and what she has in store for the future.

Can you tell us how you got into mixed martial arts and who you admire in the sport?

ET: I am days away from my 32nd birthday...I originally saw MMA when the first UFC came out...1993 or so? I grew up around gangs and drugs and I was always getting into trouble and just being a "bad kid". UFC was something I gravitated towards because of the blatant violence, of course, and as a kid who was always fighting, I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever seen. I started training in BJJ at around 17 or 18, and soon after that started striking. I was training and still having fun being a kid. I was in my own apartment at 17 years old and would go to whatever classes were available when not working. When I was 21, my future coach (Sean McCully) approached me about doing MMA. I was not even aware that women did MMA, I was just going to kick box. At any rate, I had my first MMA fight just after I turned 22 years old and I never looked back. I admire all of the people who started in this sport and have helped it evolve into what it is today and those who will further propel it into mainstream sports.

Can you talk about how your training is going and when your next fight is and with what promotion?

ET: I took about two weeks off from my May 8th fight, and have been getting back into shape since a couple weeks ago. I'm set to fight August 15th and it will be for StrikeForce on the undercard. Looks like I get the winner of Cyborg vs. Gina Carano, who are fighting on the same card. My training is always top notch. When I am not with my regular coach Brian Rauchbach and John Marsh, I am over training at CSW with Erik Paulson and the rest of Team Archangel. I just got back from WEC and actually trained with Miguel Angel Torres. We did not even do rounds, we just punched and kicked each other for 40 or 45 min straight. He is an ANIMAL. Of course I would have to stop when he dropped me with body shots or if I needed a second to breathe. But I train only with men, and prefer it that way. Women get emotional training with other women, and that can affect their training. King Mo Lawal is my wrestling coach. It’s very complete...it’s very good right now.

How did you get on American Gladiators and how was that experience?

ET: I had a sports/movie agent that referred me for Season One. I did not think it was going to be anything great, so I did not go back to my second call back. I actually would have been hired. On Season Two, they requested me personally and I came back, went through a small screening process, and I was hired. It was an amazing experience, and I loved it. Still have my costume. Yes, I keep in touch with several of Gladiators. I got along with all of them.

What do you feel is the state of Women's MMA and where do you see it going in the next five years?
ET: Clearly, I see it growing. It took people years to understand and accept the men's fighting. So it's not just gonna fall into mainstream without any hitches. What I see with women (fighters and regular women alike) is there is not a lot of camaraderie like men have. I see the women judging and hating on other women all the time. We all have our moments, but maybe because I am older, or have been through more things in my life, I just don't understand why women have to compete at such a furious rate with other women to be the "Alpha Female". Women tend to be jealous and territorial by nature, but I think if they would be open to getting past that, and just supporting each other, women (and women's sports) would really benefit from that sisterhood. But you get a lot of women who are not living happy lives, in general, and they take that out on other women whose lives they covet. I have seen it happen to me and I just see it every day. I just do not get it.

Who do you want to fight?

ET: I want to fight anyone who is ranked above me, first of all. Which is Cyborg and Gina. I just want the casual fan to know me, and with me now fighting in StrikeForce, I think that will definitely happen. And of course anyone that feels they can beat me. I will fight anyone...anytime, anywhere.

Tara LaRosa had some strong words about you on a recent interview on The Rear Naked Choke Radio show, with her and Gina ---talking about weight cutting--- and she said you complained about the cut and wanted to fight at 150 lbs. ---what are your thoughts on how many women have missed weight? Is it a woman issue or a professional issue?

ET: First, I have not listened to it, and I won't because Tara is a joke: she is a joke to women's MMA. Walking around at 170 lbs and cutting to under 145 lbs was not an easy task. But I made the cut and won the fight: that's what matters. As of the last five years, I have commented on Tara when she has felt the need to bash me or any other female fighter that is prettier than her or gets more exposure than her, which is about 99.9 percent of women fighting. What I know about Tara is this: she has no life. She is a troll who is socially inept and can only have mild social interaction behind a computer screen. I don't know what's funnier: her trying to kiss Gina Carano's ass and pretending she never bashed Gina to try and get into StrikeForce, her getting KO'd on her feet by Jennifer Howe, or when Tara was on the FOX Sports online MMA show recently. Her jaw was grinding madly as she tried to look comfortable on TV. I mean, it hurts to just look at her. Radio is probably a better line of work for her.

I am not impressed by Tara or her fighting - I never have been. I am friends with many of the women including Meisha Tate, Ginelle Marquez, Debi Purcell, Tanya Evinger, Gina Carano, Lana Stefanac and Shayna Baszler, to name a few. I am for the advancement and empowerment of women in MMA, unlike Tara. She has to realize women's MMA (as a whole) can be based off looks to the casual fan. It might not be "fair", but that's the facts. Her looks could be irrelevant, but it's her poor attitude in this sport that is stopping her; not because she's so "overlooked". She is completely obsessed with me, it's bizarre. Tara should stop running her big jaw and should focus on herself. And of course, she's at an even lower weight now. If we could come to a catch weight...I would smash her. If they can determine that she's a woman before any of that, then we can go from there. Even if I did kick her ass, it still would not shut her up. On that note, I think if Tara was a happy person (in general) she would not act like this. If she received more hugs and someone to tell her they cared about her, I think she would be a different person.

What do you do pre and post fight---any rituals?

ET: I do a lot of visualization. I think that is as important (or more) than the physical aspect. I just try to keep calm and use my energy in the most positive way that would correlate to my fights. I can be a very intense person, and that power can overtake me at times...so I am trying to use that power to my benefit instead of it typically being my downfall when I was growing up.

What do you like to do when you are not training for a fight?

ET: I am not a big party person any more, but don't get me wrong, I love to go have a good drink and have some fun. Mostly, I work on building my personal training business with my adult and kid clients and my pro athletes. I also constantly train to try and better myself and my game. I love to just be my family and my friends, as well as traveling, movies or just reading a good book.

Do you have any deals in the works you'd like to mention or plug?

ET: "Time Warp" for the Discovery Channel will be airing in mid/late June which I am excited about. I am now working with Cage Fighter, and am happy to have a great sponsor behind me. There are some other deals, but my main focus is my fighting in StrikeForce. That is my priority and my main concern.

I know you have had some ups and downs in life, losing your sister and a public divorc e---how have those events changed you as a person?

ET: Oh well, yes...Within three years, my sister died in a car accident, my father died soon thereafter of cancer (although I feel it was a broken heart) and I went through a divorce. In three years I went through all of that, and to come out of it as "centered" as I am right now, is unbelievable even to me at times. What I know, is that you can’t believe everything you read; you need to give people the benefit of the doubt before you judge them. I do my best to try and live an honest life and to treat people the way I want to be treated. It takes a lot to push me, and even me ripping on Tara, that has been years of her just running her mouth. In the scheme of things, all of that is very inconsequential. When you lose the most important people in your life, you see what truly matters in the rest of your life. People will always have things to say, but as long as I know I am doing what's best for me and my life, that is what matters. I am more tolerant of people and of myself. I treat the people who are close to me like this is their last day, every day. I am far from perfect, but I try to make a difference in the world, whether it’s helping women's MMA, being good to the people you come in contact with, or helping train my clients and making a difference in their lives. That’s what is important.

Miss RaRa and Urijah Faber's After Party

2009-06-10T11:59:00.004-05:00

Miss Rara and her family was rockin' her new signature burnout tee at the WEC this past weekend. Rara did Urijah's braids before the fight and then they were hanging out at the Park after the fight. Check out the photos on www.urijahfaber.com and get your own Rara burnout at at www.fightchix.com

WEC Picks

2009-06-07T11:52:00.002-05:00

WEC 41: Media Day @ Ultimate Fitness
- combatlifestyle.com - CombatLifestyle Nightlife

Mike Brown Vs. Urijah Faber
Name: Mike Brown
Height: 5' 6" (168 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 21-4-0

VS

Name: Urijah Faber
Height: 5' 6" (168 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 22-2-0

As much as we love Faber and his exciting style AND our very own Miss Rara will be there live after braiding Urijah's hair today---Brown is bigger, stronger, a better wrestler and cleaner striker. Urijah has a ton of heart to go along with his skills, so that may be the difference in the fight.

Jose Aldo Vs. Cub Swanson
Name: Jose Aldo
Height: 5' 7" (170 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 14-1-0

VS

Name: Cub Swanson
Height: 5' 7" (170 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 13-2-0

Jose Aldo has been tearing up the 145lb division and look for the streak to continue tonight. He will come out on top and earn the next title shot very soon.

Donald Cerrone Vs. James Krause
Name: Donald Cerrone
Height: 6' 0" (183 cm)
Weight: 155 (70 kg)
Record: 9-1-0, 1 NC

VS Name: James Krause
Height: 6' 2" (188 cm)
Weight: 155 (70 kg)
Record: 10-0-0

Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone should be the 155lb champ right now. Look for him to put the first loss on Krause's record with his complete package style of fighting.

Josh Grispi Vs. Jens Pulver
Name: Josh Grispi
Height: 5' 11" (180 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 12-1-0

VS

Name: Jens Pulver
Height: 5' 7" (170 cm)
Weight: 145 (66 kg)
Record: 22-11-1

Jens doesn't get any easy fights and Josh is no joke. We are rooting for Jens on this fight and hope he gets back on the winning track with a KO in round 2

Strike Force Picks

2009-06-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Strikeforce Lawler vs Shields: Weigh Ins
- combatlifestyle.com - CombatLifestyle Nightlife

Robbie Lawler vs. Jake Shields
We have to ride the fence on this one. If it stays standing KO for Robbie and if it goes to the ground Jake is a submission master. Size and strength may be a big factor here and Robbie should win with a TKO.

Nick Diaz vs. Scott Smith
Diaz has been on a roll but Smith is always one punch away from a win. I hope Diaz goes to the ground with this one to secure a submission win.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Brett Rogers
Rogers has a punchers chance, but that is really it. Look for Andre to get back in the win column with a KO victory over Brett in Rd 2

Kevin Randleman vs. Mike Whitehead
Randleman and Whitehead doesn't look to be the most exciting matchup. I think Whitehead's youth will out weigh Randleman's experience and he will win via scorecards.

Phil Baroni vs. Joe Riggs
Baroni believes he is reborn now training out of Xtreme Couture. He has the power but I am not sure if mentaly he is ready to take the next step. Look for a slugfest with Riggs getting the better of the exchanges for a KO in round 3.

Rafael "Feijao" Cavalcante vs. Mike Kyle
Feijao has been on a terror as of late with a string of 1st round KOs. Look for the streak to continue