How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?
-I got involved in MMA when I moved into a house with amazing MMA fighters Javi Vasquez and Gabe Rudiger. They both took me to their gyms and started working with me. I got the bug for the sport, got hooked and eight years latter still competing.
Where are you currently training, and what's a typical training week like for you?
-I am currently training at King of Kings boxing gym in Covina, Ca, UFC gym in Rosemead and the University of La Verne for my strength and conditioning. A typical week looks a bit like this. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights I am at the UFC gym with Coach Brandon Bender working on my Jiu-Jitsu. Tuesday-Friday mornings I am with Coach Joseph at King of Kings working on my boxing. After that on Tuesday and Thursday I head to ULV to work with Coach Matt Durant on my strength and conditioning. I also work with Coach Liron Wilson on my overall game.
Tell us about your upcoming fight, who you're fighting and where?
-My next fight is going to be for the world title in MMA!! I am fighting many different girls in a tournament style competition October 13th in Moscow, Russia at World Sports MMA. I will be representing team USA and fighting against other girls from their countries!!!!
What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?
-My best experience as fighter is meeting my fans and having a little girl tell me she looks up to me. That is why I do what I do, I love to inspire!!! I really don't have a worst experience, I view it as everything happens for a reason and I learn from each situation.
What advice would you give to other women who are reading this interview and want to get started in MMA?
-Stick to it!!! Find a good gym, get focused, find a great WHY for why you are doing it and do your best 100% of the time. NEVER GIVE UP!!!
What are some of the hurdles that you think Women in MMA need to overcome before Women's MMA will be considered a top level sport like Men's MMA is today?
-I personally don't think women have a hurdle to overcome. I think it’s the perspective of the main people in the bigger venues that need to overcome their hang ups. Personally if we women keep doing what we are doing and keep working hard and fighting our hardest it will only be a matter of time!
When do you think we will see women divisions in the UFC?
-I think women fighting in Strikeforce are Zuffa's justification that women do have a venue to fight in. In the UFC it might be awhile.
What or who are your inspirations in MMA and life?
-My inspirations are the young girls that I teach and my fans that keep me going. I want to be an inspiration to others so when I meet them it inspires me. When I hear that someone looks up to me it inspires me to be the best I can be.
Who are your favorite MMA fighters?
-My favorite MMA fighter is definitely George St Pierre. I had the honor of being in the same magazine as him and I felt that was the biggest honor ever to share a page with him.
How do you enjoy your free time when not training or fighting?
-I love riding bikes and hiking. I am an outdoors kind of girl!! I love being on the water as well. Going 65 across the water on a sea-doo is an amazing feeling. Or riding downhill on a bike or hiking to a new water fall and jumping in once I get there!!! I also love to help people so I spend a lot of time working with the needy and helping out where I can.
Of course we have a few questions for the male readership as well.
Are you single?
-I am not single. I am very lucky to have a very supportive and amazing relationship!!
What do you look for in a guy?
-I look for honesty, a guy that means what he says and says what he means. Adventurous, someone that will ride bikes, explore and live life with me!!
What would you say is your best feature?
-I hear all the time that my best feature is my eyes! They are super green and stand out! From time to time I hear my butt is very nice as well...
Any future plans or dreams?
-I would love to one day get married and have a family. As far as the sport is concerned I want a championship belt, a world title. I want to be the best!!
Any shout outs you would like to make?
-I would like to make a shout out to my family, they are so supportive and they mean so much to me. Also to TOPKING clothing, Agape clothing, King of Kings Boxing gym, UFC gym, Alivas Cabinets and Millwork, and Covina Valley Cyclery. My team mates and coaches!!! Thanks to Faline for all the amazing pictures. And to anyone that I have ever called a friend or fan, your support means the world to me!!!!!!
Thank you for your time Jenae and best of luck in Moscow! Friends and fans can help Jenae with expenses for this incredible journey by donating here. Don’t forget to wish Jenae good luck on Facebook, her fan page and on Twitter.
