Ms. Namita Nayyar: You were a wrestling champion in college. You made your professional mixed martial arts debut was on November 6, 2004 at HOOKnSHOOT – Evolution. You have fought in Smackgirl, DEEP, Bellator Fighting Championships, Invicta FC and Ultimate Fighting Championship. You reached the pinnacle of success when you won the World Grappling Championships Gold Medalist 2007. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of being a woman mixed martial art fighter? What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: Well not quite a champion in college but I did become an All American my freshman year at the Senior Open National Championships in 2002. After a year in college I found myself a bit lost, had gained 40+ pounds and wasn’t doing anything to better myself. I finally had enough and joined a MMA gym that was primarily stand up.
I would get so frustrated but would return every day and try harder. After about 5 months I took my first amateur fight and it was all over from there. I went on to take my first Pro fight at Hook n Shoot back in 2004 and lost. I then went on to win my next 6 fights with one title belt from Canada and winning fights in Japan for Smackgirl.
My first fight in Japan was the absolute most exciting!!! I felt like I was on top of the world. I had never dreamed I would be in Japan competing. My boyfriend (now husband) and I couldn’t believe we were flown out to Japan for free, hotel free, tour guide free, daily per diem and even payed to fight and win. Just amazing and still makes my heart flutters thinking about that trip. I have been so blessed to be able to visit and compete in over 8 different countries and to walk away with 5 Grappling world title and and several MMA wins. It’s been such a blessing to be part of.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Elaborate on your spectacular achievement of winning the FFF Flyweight Championship defeating Masako Yoshida on February 17, 2007 at Los Angeles, California, United States?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: In 2007 a new promotion came forward trying to promote WMMA. I was asked to headline their fist show and fight for their belt. I fought Masako Yoshida. It was a fun fight for me. I had a great chance to try some new techniques I had been working on. I won all five rounds and was the first ever Fatal Femmes Fighting Champion. Good times.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: On July 14, 2012 you won against Amy Davis in the event UCS – Caged Combat 6 at Grand Ronde, Oregon, United States. Tell us about this winning fight and how did you feel on the winning the bout?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: I took this fight after a very controversial loss to Jessica Penne. Jessica and I were having a great fight but in the 3rd round her head collided with mine and crushed my nose. We continued to fight but I could breath with all the blood and she got a TKO on me. My first ever TKO loss in 25 + fights. I took the fight with Amy a few months later and just went out and did my job. Took her down and submitted her with an arm bar.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: You possess an exceptional fighter physique. What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: I do a lot of different kinds of working out. I like to lift weights and do stations. I also like to spar and grapple but those activities hurt my body a lot and I can only do them a few times a week. Getting older equals everything hurting a whole lot more.
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: I don’t follow a specific diet plan. I just eat very healthy 90% of the time. Sometimes I have to make sure I’m eating enough during times I am training for my fight. I like to eat veggies and proteins but I do have a huge weakness for sugar. I absolutely love ice cream and pizza. I would eat it everyday if it didn’t hurt my stomach!
Ms. Namita Nayyar: Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding mixed martial artist girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in field of women mixed martial art professional fighting?
Ms. Lisa Ellis: Well first off I’d say you are in one of the toughest sports out there, but also one of the most rewarding in many ways. MMA is a great sport but very taxing on you. I want to tell all the people out there to enter MMA knowing it’s difficult and to keep trying. It’s a hard sport but it’s totally obtainable to learn. Just takes time so stick with it.
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