We recently had the opportunity to sit down the MMA fighter and super mom, Michelle Ould for a candid and off the cuff interview. FemaleMuscle has long been a fan of Michelle’s and we are hoping that she will get an opportunity to one day step in the Octagon as a contracted UFC fighter.
What got You started in mma and fighting and when did You start?
I started training to box when I was 15 for a few years and did a few smokers – I was always a tomboy and competitive and I fell in love. After I married young and had my 2 boys I felt the need to get back into training when I realized I couldn’t just get into random fights when out with friends etc and avoid getting in trouble like when I was younger. It was the perfect release and therapy for me and something I did for myself since I was a young single mother with a lot on her plate. I started training jiu jitsu since it was very foreign to me and I had a lot of catching up to do then joined a gym owned and ran by Boise State wrestlers.
Were You athletic growing up, what sports did You participate in?
I was very athletic and competitive but I didn’t have a lot of support at home we moved a lot and my mother and stepfather were not healthy stable people at that time. I would join what I could if it was free of charge and was able to practice in everything from soccer track and gymnastics with my friends but never had the money or resources to join anything consistently. I think that’s what lead me to getting into trouble and fights all growing up.
We understand You are a purple belt in brazilian jiu jitsu, how long have You been training and do You study any other martial arts?
I’ve been training bjj wrestling and Muay Thai since 2007 and boxing off and on since I was 15.
Did You have a background in wrestling or is that something that You developed as part of Your fight training?
My guy friends always wanted me to join wrestling in high school but I was attending school in a small minded hick town that didn’t support females wrestling. Would have kept me out of fights though I’m sure. It does come somewhat natural to me but I never claim to be a wrestler.
What is Your offseason training like?
There is no off season
Do You stay pretty close to fight condition in the event You get a last minute call to fight?
Most fighters do anymore especially females since its a lot more unpredictable for us so being close to ready is the norm if you consider yourself a true fighter.
How far out from a fight do You start Your camp for that fight?
At least 6 weeks barring being uninjured but 8-10 weeks if there’s been a break
Going into a fight, what is Your typical training day look like?
Every day is different which is good to trick & shock your body. Each camp has been different but it’s important to have an outline for your cardio, conditioning and weight so you can peak at the right time.
What is Your diet/nutrition like going into a fight?
I am always tweaking my diet especially after going through changes in my thyroid and getting older and more familiar with how my body reacts to certain things. I stay away from processed food and refined sugars, try to stay alkaline so I can avoid as much inflammation and promote healing, lots of organic fresh meat, eggs, vegetables and fruit that is high in antioxidants and low on the glycemic index.
Is your training the week of the fight different for you? If so, in what ways?
Of course. Week before is all about healing, timing and staying sharp. It’s especially tailored to avoid any injury while getting my weight down before actually cutting to fight weight and that’s the time when injuries would be most likely to happen so it’s a very important week. I have to be careful to not overtrain.
It’s fight day, describe how you feel, your thoughts, any last minute preparations.
After weighing in and being able to put nutrients and fluid back into my body I try to keep myself calm and take note to not get to anxious although that is pretty much impossible. This day is purely mental and making sure my body has all that it needs to recover from the weight cut and weeks of preparation. I try to stay kind to myself and positive and focus on the outcome of the fight being in my favor instead of allowing negative thoughts doubt or fear longer for too long. I use to hate the feeling of anxiousness that is natural before competing but I now welcome it and ride the wave and find the silver lining by turning those feelings into something that motivates and excites me instead of letting it overwhelm me. I like to keep myself around funny people that boost me up and make me laugh so I don’t take myself so serious until I’m closed inside the cage.
What’s it like to walk through the curtain, the road of the crowd and finally step into the cage?
It’s the biggest rush I have ever felt. Nothing has ever came close to comparing to the amount of endorphins that surge through your body at that moment not even skydiving.
What is Your record?
8-4
What is Your favorite submission?
Whatever wins a fight
What is Your most memorable fight?
Always the last one
You’re a mom, tell us about Your family. How do they feel about having an ass-kicking mom?
It’s the norm for me and my children. We don’t know anything any different.
Where do You see Yourself in 10 years? Any aspirations of coaching or opening a gym?
It’s anyone’s guess I try not to limit myself
Where can fight fans find you?
Best place to follow me is on Twitter (@michelleouldmma) and Facebook (Michelle-Ould)