The Force is Strong with Amanda Lucas

Fight Chix chats with Amanda Lucas, MMA Fighter and daughter of Star Wars, George Lucas.

Not everyone in MMA will make the connection that you are in fact the daughter of Star Wars creater George Lucus…how did you get into MMA and what does your dad think of your career choice?

I got into MMA completely by accident. My fiancee wanted to train jiu-jitsu and muay thai, so I went to the gym with him. When I first started I had no intention of actually fighting, I just wanted to get in shape. I never ever thought I would fall in love with the sport.
My dad is supportive of my choosing to fight. I think he worries that I will get hurt, but he is always eager to watch videos of my competitions. He says he is not ready to actually watch me fight in person. I am completely fine with that. I am not ready to have all the extra attention that would probably come from his actually being there.

Who do you currently train with and who have you trained with in the past?

I am a total gym rat. I started jiu-jitsu under Jake Shields. Eventually I came across Lana Stefanac at one of the gym’s I was going to. I instantly connected with her as a person and especially as a teacher. Her style of grappling is something I learn very well. I train with Gilbert Melendez for most of my MMA and wrestling. I do strength and condtioning at Diablo Barbell, boxing with Tareq Azim and Muay Thai with Ganyao at Fairtex.

Do you have any role models, in MMA or in life in general?

I look up to, and have amazing respect for all my trainers, coaches and my training partners. They have all taught me so much and helped me grow as a person and as a fighter. I also have to say my parents and my fiancee, Jason. All three of them have had such an amazing inpact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without their love and support.

Do you have any advice for female fighters coming up?

I would tell any up and coming female fighters to be well rounded. I think its vital for anybody who wants to fight MMA to train all aspects of fighting. Stand-up, ground, wrestling, cardio and eating well.

Can you tell us about the fight you have coming up—who are you fighting? What promotion is it for?

I am fighting on November 7 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for Freestyle Cage Fighting. I am fighting a girl named Christine Gaither. It is her pro debut.

You where part of the US Team that went to New Zealand—you got a fair amount of mainstream press from the event—even a battle photo in People magazine—how was the experience?

New Zealand was a great experience. I think everyone thought it would be a quiet fight with very little, if any, press about me. I was shocked the next day when Jason looked on the internet and saw it was everywhere. I am not a stranger to the press, but usually it has to do with my dad, not me. It was the first time that has ever happened. Fortunately, almost everything that was written was positive, despite the fact that I lost the fight.

What is your day to day life like? Most female fighters have to teach or hold down a fulltime job—do you have a little more freedom with the Lucas name behind you? From what I have heard you don’t ask for any special treatment ever–which is admirable, but to get that competitive edge I could see where focusing on just fighting would be ideal!

I am extremely lucky. I am able to train full time. I am a wife (almost) and a fighter. I could not do what I do without the help and support of my mother. She makes it 100% possible for me to do what I love.
So, a typical day for me consists of getting Jason off to school, then heading to the gym for the first round of training. I usually squeeze in some cardio before I come home to eat, shower and have maybe 30 minutes of down time. Then its back to another gym for some other sort of training or sparring. Then I come home and make dinner. I do this 5 days a week and once on Saturday. After the fight, my schdule will calm down a bit, so I can have a break and rest my body. But I am never out of training for long.

Do you have any pre-fight rituals?

I don’t know if I have any pre-fight rituals. This will only be my second fight. When I compete in grappling tournaments I have learned how to just breath and stay calm, so I am hoping that will carry over to the cage.

Who is your favorite Star War character?

Probably Princess Leah. And I went through a huge Jar Jar phase when we were shooting Episode 1.

After seeing Gina Carano vs Cyborg—-what did you think of the fight and what do you think the fight’s impact had on women’s MMA?

I was at the Cyborg vs. Carano fight. The whole place was chanting Gina’s name. I think it was the first time Gina was put against someone really, really good. I think Gina is a good fighter, but there are so many amazing women that have so many more fights and wins, that you never hear about. Cyborg is a beast. I mean that in a good way.

What are some of your goals in MMA?

My goals in MMA are to keep fighting, and improving. I want to grow as a fighter. I also want to keep dropping down in weight classes. I would eventually like to fight at 155 lbs. I would love to win a title belt, and maybe fight for a large promotion.
Jacob Nuesser is a contributor to MMAmaddess.com and co-owner of Fight Chix Apparel

Catching Up with Miesha Tate

Miesha, can you tell us your background and how you got into mixed martial arts?

I started wrestling my freshmen year of high school and really loved it! When I went to college I joined a MMA club and started learning the basic submission wrestling things like armbars and triangle chokes and I picked it up quickly and really enjoyed it, it wasn’t long after that I found myself fighting and here I am today!!

Who have you trained with and who do you currently train with?

I started with Yakima MMA with Rich Guerin and have since moved on to Victory Athletics with Dennis Hallman. I have also done some cross training with some fantastic gyms/people such as Cung Le’s, AKA, LA Boxing and Ultimate Fitness with Urijah Faber

What is a typical day of training like for you?

If I’m preparing for a fight I usually do a my first workout at about 11 am and I will usually run sprints and do some sort of circuit or resistance training and then I will do fight training at about 6 or 7 depending on the day. If I’m in between fights though I usually just attend fight practice once a day.

When you have some downtime from training and fighting what do you enjoy doing?

I love to rent Redbox movies watch them at home, I love cooking and baking as well so usually I’ll make a dinner first and then watch a movie! I’m an internet junkie too so I like to look around on forums and keep myself updated on whats going on in the MMA world! I like to go out on the weekends and go to a club and get my groove on lol

As a female in a fighting sport, what challenges have you experienced and have you had any advantages?

It seems like its always a challenge at first to be taken seriously and being a female I feel the sport is too focused on our looks. I wouldn’t say there are many advantages except that its easier to get recognized than the guys because there are fewer of us in the sport.

We recently saw you in a FIGHT mag, how has that exposure been?

It was great exposure, I had fun doing the shoot! Paul Thatcher is a fantastic photographer and a very funny guy. I’ve received good and bad criticism from it but either way it got me noticed!!

We have heard you are looking to get back to action in December with Strikeforce promoting—do you have a date or opponent yet? And if not, anyone you’d like to fight?

I’m hoping to be put on the December card which is the 19th, I have no clue who they might have in mind for me if I do get on that card but I would always love to a rematch with either Liz Posener or Kaitlin Young, Liz I lost to as an amateur and she has gone on to do some good things a professional and I’d like another shot at her now and Kaitlin beat me on a tournament night when I was completely exhausted! I think I’ve done enough to deserve a rematch with either of these young ladies!

For all the young women out there that are starting to train, can you offer any advice to them as they progress in their careers?

Respect yourself, because if you don’t you can’t expect anyone else to….especially the guys in the gym. Also don’t be afraid to get out there and pursue your dream, you only live once so just go for it! 

Gina vs Cyborg was a landmark for women’s MMA, what did you think of the fight and what do you think it has done for the growth of the sport for the ladies?

Honestly I think it could have been a better fight but it also could have been much worse. I think Gina had a tremendous amount of pressure on her after such a long layoff and that would be tough on anyone. I think it REALLY put women’s mma on the map though and I love what Scott Coker is doing for the women in this sport. We really owe StrikeForce a big thank you for giving us the opportunity it presents.

Who in or outside of MMA has been a rolemodel to you or inspiration?

Really a lot of people, I could make a huge list lol but my boyfriend Bryan Caraway has been a part of my MMA career since the very beginning and has really helped me evolve as a fighter. My family for doing their best to support me in my crazy ambitions. Also many of the women who are the true pioneers of this sport are just incredible ladies and I have nothing but respect and admiration for what they have done.

Do you have any pre-fight rituals or post fight celebrations?

I always say a prayer before I walk out to the cage and after the fight I like to go out to the after party and enjoy my friends/family/fans and have a good night!

The Better Half, of Jeff Curran

Written by Jacob Nuesser
Oct 7 2009

Sarah Curran in Fight Chix Face Off Tee

An inside look into the family life of Jeff Curran told by his wife, Sarah.

 

Sarah, tell us a little about your background and when and where you met Jeff?

First off, thank you so much for this opportunity. It is a so nice to be able to tell you a little about Jeff  from a different vantage point.  I lived my whole life in a small town about 15 miles from where Jeff grew up in a little house with lots of love. We had a similar upbringing in that sense. I spent most of my life as a, for lack of a better word, nerd. I loved school, my trombone and badminton. Feel free to laugh. I have a Master’s Degree in Education and was a first grade teacher for 7 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I met Jeff 12 years ago at a local diner, where I was a waitress. I remember thinking, what happened to this guy’s ears?!?!   He left me a generous tip, his phone number and a note that said, “It’s all up to you to call me” on a brochure from his first Martial Arts School, All Range Martial Arts. I suppose the phone number was so that I could call and thank him for the large tip he left me! When I didn’t call him, he called me and asked me why I didn’t call him. So much for leaving it up to me! I am so thankful every day that he took the initiative to call me. Long story short, he lured me in with his wit, charm and cute little hiney.  Before our first date, which was at the movies, he had just competed in Extreme Challenge to become a professional fighter. When he told me what he did for a living I had know idea what he was talking about. He must have had the urge to show me right then and there as he got down on the floor and showed me some jiu-jitsu moves on the lobby floor at the movies! Then, we went home and he had me sit and watch UFC 1 with him.  After watching Royce win, Jeff gave me a 2-hour speech on jiu-jitsu and the Gracie family and his passion for the art. I had no idea what hit me!! Haha!  After that, it was fights at little shows almost every single weekend for Jeff or someone on his team.  We would travel for hours to get to a fight that Jeff took on a 4-hour notice.  He was always like that….he just wanted to fight, no matter who or where. He was, and still is, an amazing fighter to watch.   Flash forward to 2009,  we have been together for 12 years now and have been married for 5 with two of the most beautiful and happy little boys in the world.

Sarah and Jeff Curran in the Cage

 
Great fighters often have great support behind the scene. As the wife to a great fighter I am sure you head up the support system for Jeff, can you tell us what kinds of things you do for him when he is getting ready for a fight?

Jeff is such a level-headed and mentally solid individual, but I like to think that I help him be the fighter that he is somewhat. Basically, I just cook him tons of fish, chicken, broccoli and asparagus and find really creative hiding places for the ice cream (I catch him searching for it late at night!) I actually have to hide our son’s gummy vitamins as he has been known to snack on those when the craving really strikes! Sleep is so important for training as well, and it seems to be dwindling more and more with each child we have!!! I let Jeff find a nice quiet place to sleep at night, far far away from any baby monitors or licking doggy tongues, so that he can get the rest he needs. Also, we just try to give Daddy space around here when he needs it. He loves playing with his little dudes, but he has mentioned that the mental switch that he has to go through close to fight time is difficult. He is training to take someone’s head off during the day and then he has to play hide-and-seek with Ty and talk baby talk to Jacob when he gets home.  I assume that switch would be difficult to make. He just needs a little transition time when he gets home. Lastly, and probably most importantly, I like to think that I am Jeff’s number one fan. Even Jeff, being the amazing fighter that he is, needs a little encouragement and support now and then. Oh, and he also models all of his fight shorts for me the week before his fight and I tell him which ones look best.  This is very important to him.

 

Jeff and the boys

When Jeff is entering the cage, what is going through your head? 

Oh, crap…followed closely by…Just don’t let him get hurt, just don’t let him get hurt, just don’t let him get hurt.

I know a fighter's schedule can be hectic---with Jeff it is probably worse since he runs one of top schools in the midwest, promotes the XFO, and is teaching, training and fighting---so when do you all have free time and what do you enjoy doing?

Jeff’s plate is not only full, it is overflowing…he needs at least 3 plates. He has been trying to trim the fat lately so that he can focus on having more time with our boys and his fight career, but he has the type of personality that thrives on keeping busy.  Since Jeff is so busy during the week, family time tends to be relaxing and carefree. We like being outside together…bike rides, walks, parks, going to see Ty’s favorite stuffed deer at a nature preserve, etc. At night, Daddy and our eldest son, Ty, usually can be found having a dance party to Ty’s favorite song, Boom Boom Pow. They have a special underwear dance and Daddy teaches Ty less-than-appropriate dance moves, namely “The Michael Jackson crotch grab.”  Mommy doesn’t understand. Boys will be boys…

Do you train in MMA or BJJ at all?

Funny you should ask! I have received boxing gloves as a Valentine’s Day present from Jeff and two gis-one for my birthday and one for Christmas. I used the boxing gloves for about 5 years in Thaiboxing class before we had our first son, but those have been put on the shelf for now. I really enjoyed Thaiboxing and was actually becoming decent, so I hope to get back to it soon. My first gi was given away to someone who needed it at Jeff’s school and my second gi is waiting anxiously in my closet upstairs, all crisp and white. Jeff swears that he will teach me one day, but hasn’t yet. I think he enjoys having the edge on me I could be a black belt if I would have started training when I met him! As for MMA, I think I’ll let that be Jeff’s thing.

The Currans had a busy last few weeks…Jeff competed in ADCC and then came back for the ADA Walk. Can you tell us about how each event went?
Yes, Jeff was lucky enough to have been invited to ADCC, an honor that is probably one of the highlights of his life. He faced a tough competitor and did well, but unfortunately did not place. He had a wonderful experience just being in Spain and hopes to return to ADCC in 2011.  Jiu-jitsu is Jeff’s heart and sould and he hopes to focus more of his attention competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments down the road when things die down a bit. He competed in NAGA this year as well and his team placed first, so he hopes to be involved in that next year as well. The ADA walk was a definite success! Diabetes is a disease that has made a huge impact on Jeff’s family, claiming the lives of his father, grandpa and grandma. Jeff’s team raised nearly $1,000 for the ADA and he hopes to do even more next year. A lot of family and students from the school walked with Jeff and it meant so much to have everyone there with him.

Can you share with us a funny or interesting story about Jeff? 

On a funny note, I once woke up in the middle of the night in an armlock that Jeff was applying on me while he was sleeping. I tried to tap, but that didn’t work so I kicked him and he woke up. I should have put better use to those gis! Jeff fights even when he is sleeping! On a more sentimental note, I was unable to attend Jeff’s WEC fight against Stephen Ledbetter because we had recently had our son.  While I was watching him fight on TV I thought something was different about his arm.  As you know, Jeff is already covered in tattoos, but I knew something was unusual.  As I focused in, I saw that he had gotten my name and our son’s name tattooed on his arm in Vegas the day before the fight and he wanted me to see it for the first time when he was on TV.  What a guy.   And finally, I think it is important for everyone to know that Jeff is the man that you see in all of his interviews…kind, smart, talented and highly dedicated.   He is an amazing person, daddy, husband, fighter and forefather of the sport of MMA.  Thank  you!  
Jacob Nuesser is co-owner of Fight Chix Apparel

Congrats to Anthony Gomez

Anthony Gomez had a quick TKO victory this past weekend at Total Fight Challenge in Hammond IN. Anthony has refined his skill under the watchful eye of Miguel Torres, the current WEC 135lb Champ. Below are a few shots from Gomez’s fight. He worked the clinch early and attempted a deep guillotine choke. When that wasn’t there he hammered in knees to the head in the clinch. The fight went to the floor where it was stopped due to hammer fists for the TKO win.

FIGHT CHIX After Party this SUNDAY after Chicago WEC

BE THERE!

Fight Chix will be hosting another world famous after party at Level Night Club in Chicago after WEC Torres vs Mizugaki. Level is located at 1045 North Rush Street
Chicago, Illinois 60611. The party will get started at 11:30 at go until 5am! (SO TAKE MONDAY OFF) Be sure to say hello to Elisabeth and Jake and Trevor. We are looking for hot girls who have what it takes to be a FIGHT CHIX model!

First 100 people in the door who mention FIGHT CHIX get a free prize!

Rumored to be there, Urijah Faber, PunkAss from TapouT, Miss Rara, Tracy Lee, and more!

APRIL NEWS

Signature Shirts for Jennifer Widerstrom and Miss Rara will be released in April. They are in production now and you can pre-order today. Fight Chix Bikini is available NOW. The Track Jacket Sport, as seen at the Arnold Fitness Expo, is ready to ship.

This month’s bundle is going to be the April Booty Bundle…all 3 colors of booty shorts for $33.

If you are in Chicago for the WEC, be sure to hit up the FIGHT CHIX after-party at LEVEL where we will be looking for FIGHT CHIX models and hanging with Fighters! Say FIGHT CHIX at the door for a free gift to the first 100 people!

Get Ready for the Sexy Side of MMA this summer

We also want to express our love for Tapout and their fallen leader MASK. He continues to inspire us with his message to believe.
enter Believe for 10% off your order.

New Items from FIGHT CHIX—more to come!

Here is a taste—with MORE coming in April—welcome to the Sexy Side of MMA

ALL Found right now on www.fightchix.com

Not much time left

XOXO $18

Shamrock Bundle $75

www.fightchix.com

MASK Memorial

A memorial service to honor TapouT founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr., who died last week in an early-morning California traffic accident, is set for April 14.

TapouT officials today released details of the service, titled “Simply Believe: A Celebration of Charles Mask’ Lewis Jr.”

It’ll take place at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. The memorial service is open to the public.

“We first and foremost want to thank everyone – TapouT fans, (the) mixed-martial-arts community and more – for their kind words and support in the wake of Mask’s death,” stated TapouT co-founder Dan “Punkass” Caldwell. “Whether you’re a fan of MMA or not, Charles’ goal was to inspire people to make a difference in the world and never settle for anything less than their dreams. With TapouT he reached more people than we could have ever imagined, and his dedication to the sport and brand will live on forever through his fans around the world.”

TapouT President Marc Kreiner echoed those sentiments.

“Mask was the ultimate entrepreneur,” Kreiner stated. “I’m still in awe of his marketing and business prowess that brought his dream from the back of a pickup truck to a world-renowned brand. We’ll miss his drive and intensity for the business, but the leadership he instilled in the company will carry on.”

“Mask was one of the most genuine and honest people I have ever met,” TapouT crew member Timothy “Skyskrape” Katz stated. “He created TapouT as a way to share his passion and energy for MMA with the world, and the inspiration and attitude of TapouT will continue to live on in Mask’s memory.”

Lewis died on March 11 when his vehicle was struck by another car. The collision forced Lewis’ Ferrari over a curb and into a utility poll, which nearly cut the car into two pieces. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene, and his girlfriend, Lacy Lynn White, was ejected from the vehicle and treated for a fractured elbow and several lacerations and abrasions.

Two days after the accident, the driver of the second car, Jeffrey David Kirby, was charged with one felony count of vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated, one felony count of driving under the influence causing bodily injury, and sentencing enhancements for fleeing the scene of a vehicular manslaughter and causing great bodily injury to multiple victims.

Kirby twice had been convicted of past DUI offenses. He now faces a maximum sentence of 19 years and eight months in state prison if convicted of the new charges.

Lewis, 45, founded Tapout Clothing Inc. in 1997 with a trunk full of T-shirts and a few thousand dollars of start-up money. Over the past decade, he and his partners have made the company the biggest apparel success story in MMA.

Tapout, which grossed just $30,000 in sales in 1999, pushed that number to more than $100 million in 2008 alone. The company now has licensed retailers (including the likes of Dillard’s and Champs) around the world and is one of the UFC’s most prominent sponsors.

Lewis was a fixture at MMA events around the world, and his company sponsored numerous fighters. He also appeared in a TapouT TV show that airs on Versus.

(credit:mmajunkie)

Fight Chix joins Women Talk Sports

Fight Chix has been invited to join the Women Talk Sports blog network. This is all women related sports items from fans to athletes. Please check them out!