Here is the interview I done with Pearl Gonzalez, she is the latest addition to the XFC roster.
Via The Funky Monkey MMA News
( Facebook.com/TheFunkyMonkeyMMA )
Direct link to interview:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=450463501687788&set=pb.403186816415457.-2207520000.1358819531&type=3&theater
"Interview with the newest addition to the XFC roster, PEARL GONZALEZ. She will be fighting Suzie Montero at XFC 22 on Feb. 22 live on AXS TV. Pearl went 8-1 as an amateur mixed martial artist and was also a member of the U.S. Pankration team. When Pearl steps into the cage don't blink as the fight can be over just as quick as it began. She is known for finishing her opponents quickly and efficiently. Pearl will be one to keep an eye out for in the women's flyweight division, and she will stop at nothing to achieve her destiny of becoming a world champion.
How did you get in to the sport?
I started training at Combat-Do when I was 11 yrs. Old, My Dad was a single parent and worked all the time. I started getting into trouble fighting, hanging with the wrong crowd so he found something for me to do after school.
What's your favorite strike/submission to use in any fight?
I let my opponent decide. LOL
Who is your biggest inspiration?
All successful Fighters/Athletes
Which team are you training with in preparation for your next bout?
I go to several gyms to work on different aspects! Combat-Do, LaBoxing Southloop, The Functional Athlete, Midwest Training Center, Xsport.
What is your favorite aspect of MMA? (grappling, striking, clinch work, etc.)
I believe every aspect is equally important, but I go through phases where I just want to focus on standup, on ground, on takedowns, strength training, etc.
What does it mean (for you) to be a fighter?
Its my world right now, my way of life. It saved my life!! I could have easily been like the rest of the people that come from the “neighborhood” but I didn’t. I chose fighting! It has always been an outlet for me! I had a traumatic upbringing and this was my way to express my pain, my anger, my stress! I plan on setting an example for the future, no matter your circumstances, you can be anything you want to… With hard work and dedication!!
What separates you from every other fighter
My individuality, my personality, me!
If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
Anyone, for a world championship belt!
What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?
Most importantly I want my niece, little cousins, and troubled young women to remember me for triumphing over adversity, never giving up!! I want to be remembered for never forgetting where I came from! As soon as I can, I plan to give back to my community and gym!
Thus far what is your greatest accomplishment in the sport?
Going 8-1 as an Amateur, and becoming a Professional in the sport I love. Fighting!
How do you spend your time when you're not training for a fight?
I’m usually working, recovering and spending most of my spare time with my fiance and family! I hang out with my bestie’s, my “big bro’s” (guys I train with that are very close to me) and help my family whenever I can!!
Were your family and friends supportive when you decided to enter the world of MMA?
Everyone is extremely supportive!!! My dad, my aunt, and now Sailor have always been my biggest supporters!!
Whats your gameplan for 2013?
To be a better Pearl Gonzalez in 2013 than 2012! To fight for XFC as much as possible, and get as much exposure as I can! My fiance is active duty US Navy, so we are currently planning a wedding in The Dominican Republic and moving to San Diego in May!!
If you could fight anyone outside of the MMA world who would it be?
LOL Idk… Maybe, the meter maids of the City of Chicago! LOL All the damn parking tickets I get..
What are some of your hobbies outside of the ring?
Mental work! Yoga, meditation. Love learning about nutrition and the most important.. SHOPPING!!
Whats the most embarrassing song on your iPod?
LOL all I listen to is the new Hotness and Country!
Do you dig any sports other than MMA?
Boxing, Swimming, Football
Its 10 minutes before you're walking out to the fight, whats going through your head in that moment?
Its GO time, Now its time to have fun and do what we do best!! Stay calm, stay focused. Head down, hands up.. Breathe!!
Who are you fighting next?
Suzie Montero @ XFC 22 on Feb. 22 on AxsTv
Any final words?
1.Big ups to all my sponsors: Junior’s Bar in Cicero, O’Callaghans Chicago, Chi-Sky Productions, Modest., Kaufman Sports Management Group, The Fix Chicago, Tussle Fight Wear!!!
2. I’d also like to send big thank you to my coaches: Master Bob Schirmer, Freddie Cuevas, Tim Caronti, Steve Mologousis, Alex @ MTC, Kevin Hasch
3. My team: Combat-Do, LaBoxing Southloop, The Functional Athlete, MTC.
4.To my legal representative: Scott Rochelle
5. To my managers: Joe Fortis, Hector Quintero
6. To John Prisco and XFC for the amazing opportunity
7. To my family thank you everyone for the support
8. To my Sailor and my Tia and my Daddy for putting up w my craziness
9. To every single friend, fan and supporter
10. To my baby girls: Miss Faith, Simone and Grace Love you lil ladies dream big!!
11. To Slade “Sladey” Bittler
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!"
Now that`s a better way to get people to read your interview.If you would have left a link...I would have skipped over it.
Thank you.