MMARising.com: There has been talk that you will face veteran brawler Jan Finney in the second round of the FCF tournament on March 27th. Has the fight been officially confirmed and, if so, what are your thoughts on fighting Jan?

Adrienna: It sounds confirmed, and it’s going to be a very tough fight. Jan is very athletic and strong and has been fighting for a long time. She’s very mentally tough and I know she’s fought some talented people. And let’s keep it real, the girl hits HARD. I want to make sure that my cardio is up to par and that I’m prepared for all of that. Our strengths are different, so we will see how the fight goes.

MMARising.com: The other remaining semi-finalists were EliteXC veterans Shayna Baszler and Jennifer Tate, though Tate has since withdrawn due to her pregnancy. Should you face either one later in your career, what game plans might you employ to ensure victory?

Adrienna: Well, Miss Tate is expecting now (congrats to you guys!), so I only know of Shayna and Jan. I want to stick to what I am best at and be well-rounded and smart. I want to wish Shayna luck with her next round fight. We’ve been friends for a while, so if I face her in the finals, she’s someone that I have no shame in losing to and would feel humbled to beat. We both want to win, so it’s a win/win situation for me.

MMARising.com: You are one of the more well-rounded fighters in the division. When you enter the ring or cage, do you prefer to end fights by knockout or by submission, or are you happy as long as your hand is raised at the end of the fight?

Adrienna: Both! LOL. For real, there have been a few fights where my hand was raised in the end and I was thinking, “How the hell did I just pull that off?” I like to win with whatever my coaches have been working on with me and feel like I left a definite impression on my opponent and the crowd. I also like to leave that night with something to work on, like, ‘I should have done this differently’ or ‘I felt a little tired in this one.’ It gives me something to look forward to. 🙂

MMARising.com: Shifting focus, Strikeforce has recently unveiled plans for its women’s division in 2010 and crowned its first 135-pound women’s champion when Sarah Kaufman defeated Takayo Hashi on February 26th. What are your thoughts on possibly competing for Strikeforce in the future?

Adrienna: Awesomeness (yes, it’s a word in my book – lol). That would be such a huge accomplishment and I know that my son would be so proud of me. My family and team have watched me work so hard and be a head case for so long while doing my best, so I truly hope that it happens. Sarah won the belt. I think that Hashi was a little small for the 135-pound division, but Sarah performed well. She’s a good champion.

MMARising.com: There are many stars in the 135-pound women’s division. Who are some fighters that you would like to face in the future? If you could set up a dream fight of your choosing, who would be your opponent?

Adrienna: I still feel like a newbie for the division, honestly. I took a year and a half off to have my son (who just turned two). I feel like a new caliber of fighter now that I am a mother. I’m still trying to fit in the shoes that I have now at 135. Anyone I fight now I am appreciative for.

MMARising.com: You are still just 28 years old and have a very bright future in the sport. What are some goals of yours for the coming year and how far do you see women’s MMA progressing in the next twelve months?

Adrienna: To keep performing well and stay in shape (especially with the summer coming and mass amounts of BBQs…lol) I just want to add that I LOVE food, so making weight will be exciting. MMA should keep growing and there should be great things ahead. Fortunately, there are a lot of professionals and organizations working towards that. I am a lucky girl to still be in the sport when it happens.

MMARising.com: What would you most like fans to know about you and your career and what would you like to be remembered for from your time as a mixed martial artist?

Adrienna: I want to be known as the girl that came from a small but truly special island in the middle of the Pacific and conquered great things. My home at heart will always be a Kauai – island girl! I want my son to be proud of his mother. He’s the most significant part of me. I hope that he grows up to have respect for women and their capabilities.

MMARising.com: Do you have any final comments or shout-outs to fans, family or sponsors?

Adrienna: Yes, definitely! Thank you to my son for always making me laugh and keeping me happy. Thank you to Pete Peterson for always believing in me, even when I didn’t. Thank you for the teammates who have helped me to get ready for my fights. Your punches to the face and crazy submissions have made me survive and win my fights! Love you all.

Thanks to Slade with Tussle Fight Gear, Henchmen Fight Gear, Kippy Akana with Knockout Hawaii, Nutrishop, 8-Ball Nutrition, Sean with Iron Heart Tattoo, my strength and conditioning coaches and Kara with Envy for keeping my hair bangin’ and not so nappy. 🙂

To everyone else who has supported me and fought me, I’ve learned so much from it all. Mahalo to all the Hawaii supporters! Hope I am making you proud! Much alohas!

MMARising.com: Thank you again for taking time for this interview and we wish you the best in the Freestyle Cage Fighting Women’s Bantamweight Grand Prix.

Adrienna: Thank you! 😉

MMARising.com sincerely thanks Adrienna for taking the time for this interview. We wish her the best as she looks to capture a Strikeforce contract by winning the FCF Women’s Grand Prix.