An Interview with Kyle "Kyote" Rozewski

What is your nickname and if you do have a nickname how did

you get it?

"My nickname is Kyote (coyote). Spelled like that because

of my name obviously. When I was younger I was called Kylee

and it sounded like Wiley, so Wiley Coyote, Kylee Kyote. Not

too clever but there it is. And plus it fits. Im laid back,

Im no pitbull. Im not the biggest dog in the fight, but Im

rabid, and I will go through your garbage."

How do you seperate fighting and your personal life?

"Its all attitude. Training sucks. I love it but it's a

constant grind. So I have to try and be happy go lucky when

Im outside the cage or the dojo. It'll suck you down if you

don't. I spend 5 days a week sweating, bleeding, often

puking, I don't need to fight outside of that."

Whats your typical day in the gym?...Give us a little sneak

peek into your training regime.

"Depends on the day of the week. Most days it's a whole

bunch of standup kenpo technique, as I train at a kenpo

dojo, then we hit the ground. Do some techniqes, sweeps,

submissions, then work application via mock matches. I like

hardnose training. I do incorporate cardio specific

excercises and a little lifting, but for the most part I

just like to mix it up and simulate the fight as much as

possible without getting hurt."

Why fight MMA?

"Why not? It's a beautiful thing to watch to seasoned guys

battle it out. Such a thinking game. I get to do what most

>guys only talk about. Who knows what the figure is but I'm

part of a small,but growing, percent of the population

willing to do this. So I take the gifts I was given and put

them to use while I can. I love to compete, and I love the

attention to be honest. And the feeling of a

win.....whooooo...I defy anyone to find a substance to match

that."

What element in your game are you most working on right

now?

"Without doubt my stand up. I always have workt o do

improving all areas of my game but I feel comfortable enough

pulling guard and goin dirt if I need to so Ive really been

concentrating on my hands."

What do you do to relax?...What do you enjoy to do away

from training/MMA?

"I just veg. Like anyone Ill watch tv or pop in a movie. I

like playing poker and seeing friend who make you feel at

ease. Its not good to be tense all the time. I love taking

long showers, just sitting in there seems to put me in a

good place."

 

Give us your most memorable moment in MMA....That moment

that made you say to yourself "I want to do that!"

"Oh man, like any kid I wanted to be a ninja way back! I

was always into something martial arts related. So to a

degree its always been there, that desire to do this. But I

remember youth wrestling tournaments where I would just want

to take someones neck and put em out. Not that I did or was

overly aggressive, it just seemed to me alot was lacking as

far as the jiu jitsu element. Haha, I didnt even know what

jits was then, but I wanted to do it."

 

Who is the best MMA fighter in your opinion?

"Thats a tough one. Anytime this comes up you have to say

Fedor, or Silva, or GSP...... However, I'm really liking

Jose Aldo right now. He has yet to really establish a legacy

but I think he's the future of the WEC and his weight

division. I also think Jon Jones is going to carry the UFC

for years to come."

 

Who was your toughest opponent?

"Thus far myself. I lost my first fight very quickly.

Nerves took over and I abandoned my gameplan completely and

paid for it. To my opponents credit he did everything right

so I dont want to take anything away from his victory, he

earned it. But I know if he and I were to fight again it'd

be a different story. I won't be so crass as to guarantee a

win, but it wouldnt be a 55 second submission."

 

Where do you train and who are your trainers?

"I train at Robert Koch's International Black Belt Academy

in Alden, New York. I have some amazing sensei's there and

they have really imrpoved my hands in all aspects. I can't

speak highly enough of that place. As far as my bjj I

basically run my own program there though I do have a Ni Dan

who promotes me in a system called Gypsy Jiu Jitsu when he

feels Im worthy."

What do you look for in other fighters?

"Will, hips, and brains. If I think I can break you just by

not going away then I win before the bell rings. if I see

you dont have a base condusive for a stable ground game then

I will take you down and finish. And brains.... thats a easy

one. If youre making the fight harder on yourself Ill know

cuz my job gets easier and thats when I have lots of fun.

Any time someone is having fun in a fight, chances are the

other guy isnt."

What motivates you to fight?

"First and foremost the will. Im willing to do it, and just

getting over the initial jitters you understand theres alot

farther to go and true to the monachre, youll fight tooth

and nail to move forward. And personally, validation to a

degree. Im a small guy with a big mouth. Im not aggressive

socially but I get a lot of heat for who I am and what I do,

especially in a state where its illegal and misunderstood."

What would you do if you were not a fighter?

"Well I still teach private music lessons. Thats always a

fun first convo when I meet a parent. ("Hi, Im Kyle, lemme

explain the bruises and ears"). So I think Id keep doing

that. I love it"

If you could fight anyone in the sport of MMA, who would it

be and why?

" Nick Diaz. Hes my favorite fighter and could teach me

alot. Then a close 2nd is Spencer Fisher. We have similar

styles and frames, and hes southpaw. He's just been in so

many wars and is a real quality fighter as well as a down to

earth awesome dude."

If you could fight anyone NOT in the sport, who would it be

and why?

"Judge Judy or Dr Phil. I dont want to say out of spite but

I'd really love to thai kick either rof them in the teeth. By

the way I dont condone intergender violence, but shes

broderline anyway."

Have you any superstition or mania on fighting days?

"I like to come out second to the cage. I need music before

hand. And I have my own little place I go to in my thoughts

right before I walk out. Other than that its on."

When will we be seeing you fight again?

May 1st at Emidio & Sons Center OH. I am fighting for the XFS 155lb

Championship belt

Do you know who you will be fighting?

His name is Nate Mango. He fights out "Team True Fighter"

He is 8-3 ..other than that I dont know much about him...soon will though!

Are there Fans, Friends or sponsors you would like to thank

and give a shout out to?

"Headshot Brand Clothing, Darrows Restaurant, Sky High Ink,

Fight Zone NY, IBBA, Jams Music, Evolve MMA, MMA Crypt, MMA

Warlike, all my Headshot teammates, and of course Xtreme

Fight Series

 

How can folks contact you?

" You can find pages for me here, or on facebook or

myspace. Thanks alot for the time and attention!"

 

  www.headshotonline.net

  www.internatinalkenpo.com

  www.fightgearny.com

                                                                 www.akronmma.com

Michelle Ould

What is your nickname and if you do have a nickname how did you get it?

I recently got a new one while discussing rad lunchboxes with Samantha Johnson, and it happens to be "Thundercat". It doesn't have anything really to do with MMA personally but that was my favorite cartoon growing up and it sounded better than She-Ra or Starbright. Starbright being a close second. She was magical. Jk.

What path led you to mixed martial arts?

I wish I would have gotten into it sooner, would have saved me alot of grief! I have always been kind of rough around the edges and never had the outlet of sports for very long when I was growing up. I got to practice with the teams for soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and baseball after school but my parents were too unstable financially and into drugs and alcohol and it just wasn't a priority to spend money on actually signing up and driving me or sending me to trips. Kind of a sore subject for me still. We moved alot too due to this unstableness and I lashed out alot towards kids that picked on me for being poor...especially boys. Kids stopped messing with me after a while! I kind of ran w/that rep I didn't see any other choice. But anyone that got to know me knew I was also a straight-a student and great athlete, I just had a horrible home life. Once I had my sons I started focusing on myself and stumbled into this sport headfirst and was able to use my athleticism that I missed out on.

Why fight MMA?

Sometimes I wonder the same thing when I am up close at fights and see fighters crack shins lol. I like a challenge and I like to push myself mentally and physically. I like that there are options in this sport so that you have to evolve and learn and use your brain. If you take it serious it can really consume your life and shut out all negativity.Kind of sounds like everyone else's answer, but seriously I ask myself this same question right before every fight.

Being a female fighter, what are the biggest obstacles you have had to overcome?

Being patronized and treated like crap by guys with huge egos. Which happens in every day life but it really sucks having to work with them or those types being owners of promotions. I try to be diplomatic but it's hard to hold my tongue sometimes. But I just remind myself that usually those in power that act like that were picked on when they were younger just like me and that's the path they chose. Still pisses me off though.

Are there any extra hurdles being a female in MMA, or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?

Of course. Just like with any sport. Or anything in general. There's good and bad to it though because if you make it big being a woman, you really make it BIG since there are not as many of us. And that is awesome to see. Alot of good guys can get lost in the toss because the market is so saturated right now. But ya, that's something I try to just ignore.


What does your family think about you fighting?

They think it's ok. They aren't as supportive as I'd like but they never really were when I was growing up. My grandparents and aunts and uncles though are pretty obsessed. That's nice.

Who is the best MMA fighter in your opinion?

Female? Tonya Evinger but only because she is sitting by me and might smack me if I don't say that...lol jk. She's pretty good though and smart as hell and grew up wrestling soooo...ya she's got my utmost respect. Male...have to say Aldo for now.

Who was your toughest opponent?

Lynn Alvarez.

Where do you train and who are your trainers?

Urijah Faber's gym Ultimate Fitness in downtown Sacramento, California. Before that it was Combat Fitness in Boise, Idaho, another great camp. Jesse Brock made me tough there and I moved here to train with Tonya. I train with the pros there are quite a few studs out of our gym. Master Thong does my Muay Thai and I am now a blue-belt under Fabio Prado.

What do you look for in other fighters?

I'm not sure what you mean?...a good butt is always a plus! Jk. Seriously though, still not sure what you mean.

What motivates you to fight?

It gives me that nice butt I mentioned earlier. Money is also a motivating factor. I consider it my job and it's the only one I have been passionate about thus far.

What would you do if you were not a fighter?

Probably cease breathing. Or win the lottery I'm sure. I haven't ever bought a real lottery ticket though so then I may end up being a janitor. But I am going to school for business in hopes to rule the world someday, or at least a small piece of it so I can have my own janitor service instead that can support my son's dreams until I am old and can leach off of them finally.

What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?

I wonder the same thing sometimes. Anything that my kids want to do interests me. I want to experience what I never got to with them. We are going to Disneyland this summer and it's all of our first time! Ironically I was born in Anaheim . I don't really like spending every free moment out of training doing laundry, dishes, cleaning and homework but that's where I am right now. Until I win the lottery. But looks like I'm already a janitor by the sounds of it huh? I treasure our Sundays so we can relax and go to movies and in the summer be outside bbqing, wakeboarding, anything and everything outside and avtive!

If you could fight anyone in the sport of MMA, who would it be and why?

Tonya Evinger because I have to do her freaking laundry all the time too. But of course I know I will have made it when I am ready for Tara LaRosa.

If you could fight anyone NOT in the sport, who would it be and why?

Spencer Pratt, because he is a d-bag.

Have you any superstition or mania on fighting days?

Mania yes. I always ask myself why I want to go out there and hurt another girl I don't know. It never makes sense to me on that particular day. The less time I have to think the better.

What would you say to young fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?

Start small and wait at least a year before going pro. And be careful who you have manage you and train you...do your research because this isn't always a fair sport. It is also entertainment, an industry, and there is money and egos involved so educate yourself even if you are a phenomenal athlete. Don't sell yourself short or believe everything you hear. Talk less and listen more.

Tell us about your next fight, who you are fighting and the training involved for this fight?

I am fighting for The Warrior's Cage in Porterville, Ca on May 16th against Zoila Frausto. I am pretty excited about this match due to it being cancelled twice before. I think it is a great match-up for me. I have been training pretty seriously I know she is tough, but I have what the guys in the gym like to call retard strength. Should be a good fight.

Are there Fans, Friends or sponsors you would like to thank and give a shout out to?

Any and all fans of course! Along with those that root against me! All of the guys and staff and trainers out of Ultimate Fitness, Jesse Brock and Czar Sklavos who were my first trainers, Tonya Evinger for making me a better fighter, Lana Stefanac and Sam Wilson for everything they do for women in this sport, my sons for making me push myself to be the best in everything I do...

Sponsors: Tusslefightgear.com, Fighter Dolls, Born2Bangmma.com, Ambition Couture Clothing, www.WARWORLDWIDE.com, MMAKo.org, Tipnsipbartending@gmail.com, Widowmakerfightsport.com, Cheapshot Clothing.

How can folks contact you?

I am on Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter under Michelle Ould. There aren't alot of those names out there! Also michelleould@yahoo.com.

MMA Omoplata would like to thank Slade Bittler of "Tussle Fight Gear" for arranging this interview

Tonya Evinger

What is your nickname and if you do have a nickname how did you get it?

"Triple threat"..its pretty self explainatory, I am decent at every aspect of the mma game and I've had experience in everything..And that based off of the idea that wrestling, jiu jitsu, and boxing/muay thai are the three dominate styles in mma.

What path led you to mixed martial arts?

I wrestled for 15+ years and was just burnt out, moved to sac and my friend grace was training mma in sac..she convienced me to train with her but what she didn't know was that I was already an mma beast..lol, j/k..It was just natural to me and I loved it, punching people is great but not so much when your on the recieving end.

Why fight MMA?

Cuz it's the shit..Who doesn't want to be involved in mma, either as a fighter or a fan..It's exciting and a sport where the athletes are probably the toughest athletes, more than any other sport..It's funny cuz when I was wrestling on the national level I would always say "man these wrestlers are f*#king in shape" and now me and the whole world are realizing that these are the most superior athletes..It's a sport based on you and not your team, what kind of warrior are you. how bad do you want it, who is the best? Those questions intrigue so many people worldwide that mma is now the top sport out there, it's the few that actually have the ability to realyl compete against the top.

Being a female fighter, what are the biggest obstacles you have had to overcome?

Just finding fights and girls that wanna fight you..I think I trained for almost 2 years before I got my 1st fight, but dn't think I really trained cuz fights being cancelled and just plain lack of oppertunities drives an athlete to burnout and just get over the whole idea..I love to compete and when I'm not I lose my motivation and drive, training sux but it's important and who wants to train for disappointment after disappointment.

Are there any extra hurdles being a female in MMA, or is it basically the same struggle for both genders?

I think sponsors are just as hard to find as fights, sponsors seem to not wanna kick down for a girl but they will throw a scrub with a 0-5 record $$..usually the girls are towards the end of the card, even if they suck people get all excited to see two girls beat on each other, and they just promote sponsors alot more..Sh*t I like watching two girls off the street get down, thats some funny stuff and I can't help but yell stupid moves for them to do..You all know when you start yelling WWE moves these street fighters know exactly what you mean and they actually do it, thats the best and fans love to watch it. But don't get me wrong, when you get the guys like that I think they are even worse, they fight like windmill chicks.


What does your family think about you fighting?

Well they love it to, my mom gets obsessed with every sport me and my brothers get into..I might hang up on her a couple times a month cuz she won't shut the hell up bout how I should train and promote myself, but I am very thankful for her..She was the one behind me getting this far, she drove me all over the country to wrestle..She forked all that money out for my wrestling and traveling for 15 years, I owe her big time, pics of me on the toilet seem to be plenty payback..love you mom

Who is the best MMA fighter in your opinion?

My girlfriend, she's sitting right here..enuf said..damn backhands suck when your being a smart ass..

Who was your toughest opponent?

I would have to say nobody yet..Ya i've lost but I feel I just got caught or made mistakes but it wasn't a tough fight till then..Sara schnieder was the only girl to took me a decision but if you watched that fight you would know it wasn't that tough..I beleive my toughest match hasn't caught up to me yet, hopefully I will be ready and not get beat up too bad..I wrestled on the highest level you can and that has to be the hardest sport out there, incredible athletes, I've had alot of tough matches during that time..

Where do you train and who are your trainers?

Urijah Fabers Ultimate Fitness, we train with all the pro's so alot of WEC fighters my size..It's awesome and I think probably the best place for me..My main training partner is Michelle Ould, she's an amazing fighter, and for only being in the game 3 years is crazy..She is gonna be the top 125lber, mark my words..

What do you look for in other fighters?

Mistakes, I think I hit hard but if you hit harder I KNOW you can't out wrestle me..

What motivates you to fight?

Money, this is my career and I would love for it to be my only career..I love to compete so making money to do so is the ultimate for me..

What would you do if you were not a fighter?

-be a fat outta shape loser, j/k, I get fat when i'm not training and its scary..I have no idea, I've been playing sports my whole life..I tried regualr jobs but as soon as it interupts with my passion then I back off and usually move on..

What are your other interests outside of mixed martial arts?

I like to paintball but I suck at sneakin around so I usually end up getting all shot up..I like to lay around and watch movies at night but during the day I have to stay busy or I get bored and lay around..I'm a very social person so get togethers are my favorite, weather its on the water or in my back yard..

If you could fight anyone in the sport of MMA, who would it be and why?

kaufman, she has the belt in my weight class and I want it..hook it up


If you could fight anyone NOT in the sport, who would it be and why?

My brothers ex-wife..She makes his life hell and talks crap bout my mom..

Have you any superstition or mania on fighting days?

I wrap my own hands, I know thats crazy but I do it my way and it makes me confident in myself..I also have this routine where I workout hard when I first get to the arena and then chill till right before I fight..I'm quiet and I like people to shut up and leave me to think..

What would you say to young fighters looking to make a career in mixed martial arts?

Make sure you are a fighter not just a fan that wants to be known as a fighter, its embarrassing to lose and it hurts..other than that, work hard and make sure you are mentally strong because it's YOU out there and not your trainers..You have to be able to push yourself physically to win a fight and most people don't have that mental strength to push beyond exhaustion, that's the time when it's most important..

Tell us about your next fight, who you are fighting and the training involved for this fight?

May 8th..alexis davis..I research like crazy but I always fight the way im gonna fight, as long as I can punch you the entire time and not get too tired then I'm gonna beat you..I keep that thought and it works for me, gotta be positive..

Are there Fans, Friends or sponsors you would like to thank and give a shout out to?

Ya thanks mom, chris, owen, kimmy..Michelle, your the best..Clinch gear,Maximum nutrition, tussle, fighter dolls, tip n sip bartending in lodi..Oh and who could forget RED, he's like my sacramento dad only old as dirt..

How can folks contact you?

contact me or Michelle Ould on facebook, myspace, usa3rd@hotmail.com

Tonya Evinger  fights Alexis Davis in Niagra Falls, NY Saturday May 8th for the Raging Wolf 135lbs Title Belt.


MMA Omoplata wants to thank Slade Bittler of
"Tussle Fight Gear" for arranging this interview