...OH, ONE MORE THING - PLEASE BOOKMARK US & VISIT DAILY!
By: Brad Walker, MMATorch Columnist
I had a chance recently to speak with undefeated International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) junior flyweight title challenger Danika "The Danimal" Thibault. The incredibly talented 15-year-old is undefeated in IKF rules bouts and has only lost once in modified MMA fights. She is widely considered a child prodigy and could very well be the future of women's MMA.
She trains under Master Bob Shermer at Combat-Do and is considered one of, if not the, best competitors in the country under the age of 18. She's back in action on Sunday in Orlando, Fla., and our conversation from this week is below:
Brad Walker: Alright first things first, can you tell me a little bit about your fight tomorrow?
Danika Thibault: It's international rules kickboxing for the IKF championship against Katrina Nahe. I'm fighting sunday morning. It's my sixth kickboxing match and we have kinda a close record so it should be a good fight.
Walker: Do you feel that with the rules the strength of your striking is going to be a deciding factor in the fight?
Thibault: I've always been a hard powerful striker but I think it's all about scoring points when we wear headgear. Cause it's harder to knock people out with headgear on.
Walker: Is it a fight that you feel you are going to win?
Thibault: I'm always confident that I'm going to win. A fighter should never think they are going to lose.
Walker: So at your age with your talent and background most would label you a child prodigy, is that a label you are comfortable with?
Thibault: I feel like I work hard and I do my best. And right now I'm one of the best in my weight class. I decide to be humble.
Walker: You've got training in all aspects of mixed martial arts; moving forward is that where you plan to focus your talents? (In MMA)
Thibault: As i get closer to 18 my training focus will shift to MMA. Until then i work my skills separately. At 18 I want to turn pro as an MMA fighter. Everything i do now till then is preparation for MMA.
Walker: So you're obviously planning ahead - is there any MMA fighters you look to for inspiration?
Thibault: Anthony Pettis is one of my favorite fighters. I don't see a lot of female fighters that I look up too besides Tecia Torres. She has a lot of respect for herself.
Walker: What drives you during a fight? What is your focus on?
Thibault: My focus is about attacking my oppenent in a controlled manner.
Walker: Having such a hard time finding a good opponent has to be difficult, do you ever get frustrated when it takes some time to find a fight?
Thibault: Yes I do. I would like to fight more often.
Walker: What is the hardest skill for you to learn at this point?
Thibault: Breathing properly while striking. I catch myself holding my breath which makes me yawn. Not enough oxygen in blood.
Walker: Since we've talked a lot about your striking - How advanced is your wrestling and jiujitsu?
Thibault: I've been working my its since day one. I spend time with David Williams on my wrestling. My ground game is as solid as my stand up. I compete expert divisions in grappling tournaments. I finished second in UGF Women's No Gi Expert Division in San Diego last year.
Walker: So you've collected your fair share of trophies?
Thibault: Yeah, I've got some gold
Walker: Well I know you're working hard getting ready for your fight on Sunday and we all wish you good luck; is there anything else you'd like to add?
Thibault: I'd like to thank my sponsors. Revgear, Bodylock, Tussle, ESII of Genoa, Grits mouthguard, Ritz's Southtown Auto, Dizko Samurai. I couldn't do it without them. And I want to thank my coach Bob Schirmer and all my teammates. And David Williams.
Walker: Awesome. Thanks Danika and Good luck!
Walkers note: I will be following this up with an article on "The Danimal" and her rise to the top of her class at such a young age. She is truly one of the most talented fighters I have ever seen, and at only 15.
[Photo credit Sean Thibault]
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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