5K Exclusive: Roxanne Modafferi is the toughest teacher you know, and she's only getting better
by Natalia Baage on February 23, 2010
the fighters are good, women aren't supposed to fight. It's the culture, you can't change that, no matter how hard the athletes work, it's just the way it is. But I think the situation is improving in the States.

FiveKnuckles.com: So is that the biggest difference between the sport in Japan and the sport in America?

Roxanne Modafferi: I think so.

FiveKnuckles.com: Do you think you can challenge for a title soon? And what are you doing to improve to get there?

Roxanne Modafferi: Yeah, absolutely, I'm waiting for the opportunity. I'm just training really hard in everything, all around. In striking, especially, because my strengths are still ground fighting, so I've gotta even out my skills. And I think I've learned a lot this year.

FiveKnuckles.com: In 2004, you beat Jennifer Howe, who was considered to be one of the best female fighters at the time. Would you like to face Cyborg, who is clearly the best female fighter right now?

Roxanne Modafferi: You know, that question is bothering me a lot. Because one of my personal goals is to beat every woman ever in MMA. And that would technically include Cyborg. But I was watching her fight, and she's huge, and if you screen-capped her head off, her body looks like that of a guy. I'm sorry, it does. I don't know if I wanna fight her. I do and I don't at the same time. Luckily, I don't have to make that choice because she's way out of my weight division. And if she can pick up Coenen and throw her on the ground... I just don't have the physical power and body to face her, I don't think. But, you never know, I could always pull off a submission or something!

FiveKnuckles.com: So that's why you've been working on your jiu-jitsu, huh?

Roxanne Modafferi: Would you like to fight Cyborg?

FiveKnuckles.com: Not in particular, no. How about the new 135-pound tournament that's coming into play?

Roxanne Modafferi: Don't ask me. I have no idea. Nobody's called me. I know that it's still in the process of being set up. I don't have an official offer. We're just waiting and seeing what they have planned right now. I'm under contract, so I'm assuming I'll be there, but we'll see.

FiveKnuckles.com: So you will come to America at some point?

Roxanne Modafferi: Yay! I'm looking forward to going back to the States to fight. But I associate this as my home - in Japan. Home is where the heart is. And home is where you hang your sweaty gym clothes after a work out.

FiveKnuckles.com: If you could come back to the States and fight full-time, making enough money to live there solely being a fighter, would you leave Japan?

Roxanne Modafferi: That's a really hard question. I think... aw, that's really tough. It would depend on a lot of factors, actually. But if you want an answer, probably yes. Because I only have a short fighting career. And I can always come back to Japan when I'm older. But it's tough. I often wake up in the morning and think, ‘Gee, I'm so glad I'm not fighting full-time.' If I'm hurt, I can limp to work. So I frequently count my blessings that I have this great job here. And I love Japan. So yeah, it'd be tough.

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 |  (10) Comments JujitsWho: Nope....Rich Franklin is the toughest teacher I know. She is the toughest FEMALE teacher I know though :D JujitsWho: I have to say, this chick earned mad cool points in this interview. Not only a Matt Serra fan, but a avid DBZ fan as well! Add that to the fact that she is tough as hell and gave Cybog a very tough fight and I think she moves into second place...well maybe third, on my favorite chick fighters list Giada Esposito: Good interview Natalia! She seems pretty cool. I can really sympathize with her point about not wanting to quit her job to fight full-time though. The opportunities for women to make a good living fighting are still pretty limited, even if they are getting better. Hopefully that will change with time and we will see more full-time female pros. Mtx: Great interview Natalia. Definitely bought me over with all the DBZ comments. From now on Cyborg will be known as Cristiane "Nappa" Santos, I think its even more fitting :D thug4less: What an interesting lady!? I feel her when she was honest about Cyborg and the weightclass thing and Cyborg having the body that's more intimidating than alot of guys that fight at 135. Hell, she looks like she could rip Miguel Torres a new one. Great job, Double N. mma3dge: i love her personality. great stuff. these interviews are great b/c you really find out a lot about a fighter you normally don't know. i didn't really know this fighter but she was hilarious. i love how she said she missed "health care and food" from living in Japan :)
HOW WILL THE THIAGO ALVES VS. MARTIN KAMPMANN FIGHT END AT UFC ON FX 2?
Alves def. Kampmann via TKO/KO
Alves def. Kampmann via submission
Alves def. Kampmann via decision
Kampmann def. Alves via TKO/KO
Kampmann def. Alves via submission
Kampmann def. Alves via decision
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