Joanne of the MMA Girls talks about Women

WKR: I know you are from South Africa, so how did you become interested in MMA?

Joanne: Yes I am from South Africa. I moved to the United States about 11 years ago. I actually got into MMA about 4 years ago. A couple of my guy friends would always watch the UFC and Pride, so I got interested through them.

WKR: Were you a big fan of rugby and the Tri-nation tournament growing up?

Joanne: Definitely! I love rugby so much. I used to go to rugby matches with my Dad when I was younger. Naturally I'm a big fan of the Springboks and also the Natal Sharks. My American friends would make fun of me because I would leave parties in high school early so that I could watch South Africa play New Zealand at like 4 in the morning.

WKR: sidenote: I just wanted to get that random fact in, I am totally a
history dork)

Joanne: I love history too! I loved reading about ancient civilizations and the dark ages.

WKR: What do you think the state of women in MMA is right now?

Joanne: Its growing. There are so many women out there who are getting into MMA. Its awesome.

WKR: When you hear Dana White, the public face of the UFC, say pretty chauvinist things do you feel that is out of line?

Joanne: Yeah, but I can't say much because he might be my boss one day haha.

WKR: Do you think women fighters should be featured in the UFC or the WEC?

Joanne: I do. I think its about time. I heard rumors that the WEC might add a women's division, which would be amazing.

WKR: Do you think that women fighters will be featured?

Joanne: Hopefully. I think it would be a wise choice for any organization to feature a female fighter.

WKR: Do you think there is a weird dichotomy of having women fighters and also Octagon girls?
Joanne: It is kind of weird. I remember back in May I was watching some amateur fights in Las Vegas and when the women fought the ring girls had to put t-shirts over their bikinis. Personally I don't mind.

WKR: Perhaps this is simply the newest form of a third wave feminism?
Joanne: Females kicking ass and looking good too. I definitely respect both female fighters and ring girls.

WKR: What was your opinion on the Gina Carano drunk pictures?
Joanne: Everyone gets drunk and has a good time.

WKR: Was the reaction fair?
Joanne: She is in the spotlight, so she has to be careful about it. She's an awesome girl though.

WKR: Carano got a lot of flak for coming over weight. Do you see that as unfair nitpicking or real sign of acceptance as a fighter, not just a celebrity?

Joanne: Its not unfair. Male fighters (Paulo Filho and Thiago Alves) get flak so it seems only fair that a female has to be called out too.

WKR: The consensus number one female fighter is Tara LaRossa, yet she remains in anonymity. Do you foresee a break through point where fans are really excited about all female fighters not just Gina Carano or other good looking women?

Joanne: Hopefully. Gina is a good fighter, so she can silence a lot of her critics. As the sport grows we'll see more females from all walks of life competing. Obviously the more attractive ones will get noticed,
but the same kind of thing happens with the men too. My female friends, who watch the UFC, love GSP, Rich Franklin, and Roger Huerta more than any other fighters...hmmm wonder haha.

WKR: Given the tremendous progress over the past six months where do you see women in MMA in a year?
Joanne: I think there is a good chance we'll see more women involved in MMA, and also see female fighters in the WEC.

WKR: Finally I know it might be a little early for these picks and don't want to steal your successful video's thunder but who do you think will win in; Griffin or Evans? Rampage or Wanderlei? Big Nog or Mir? Penn and St. Pierre?

Joanne: Griffn, Wanderlei, and Mir (had to go with an underdog and I like to be controversial sometimes). I don't know who I'll pick between Penn and St. Pierre. I like them both as fighters.

WKR: Thanks for your time!

Joanne: Thanks for giving me the chance to talk about MMA!