MMARising.com: Perhaps the only unfortunate thing about the fight was that it received little press and flew almost entirely under the radar, despite being one of the most exciting women’s MMA bouts to take place in North America in years. Would you have liked to have fought Michelle in a larger promotion or are you content to develop your career in Extreme Beatdown?

Elena: It would have been great. Not only for us, but for all women in fighting. I would have loved to have had more attention around the fight. I am not under any contracts at this point.

MMARising.com: Your next MMA fight is set for October 24th in New Town, North Dakota for the Extreme Beatdown promotion. Your opponent for the fight, which will be contested for a promotional title, will be Japanese gatekeeper Masako Yoshida, who has picked up some big wins in her career but has been inconsistent as of late. What are your thoughts on this fight and what areas of training have you focused on most?

Elena: I always focus on keeping my boxing sharp and I’m always learning more in Muay Thai, wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Before the fight, it’s a lot of training in takedown defence. Strength conditioning and running are always key.

MMARising.com: At present, there are few (if any) challengers in the 115-pound division who can compete with you on the feet, but skilled wrestlers or submission fighters will no doubt look to take you down to avoid your precision strikes and power. How has your wrestling and jiu-jitsu training progressed so far and what things do you feel that you still need to work on?

Elena: I started training in Vegas at Cobra Kai about four years ago and I really learned the basics. Scott Berri, Ulli, Simogh, Sunny and Lamon are amazing instructors. I started wrestling about two and a half years ago at Xtreme Couture. There were always top wrestlers and jiu-jitsu guys there who helped me, including Randy himself.

I moved back to Arizona and now fight out of Arizona Combat Sports. We have Gustavo and a whole pro team of top wrestlers. I have to give a lot of thanks to Pat Runez, who fights at 125. He was a top wrestler in college and is also very accomplished in jiu-jitsu. He has really been a tremendous help.

I have been very lucky with surrounding myself with a great team. I mostly practice defence, but I have learned to really appreciate wrestling and jiu-jitsu.

MMARising.com: You compete in boxing and MMA under the nickname “Babydoll.” When did people first call you by the name and where did it originate?

Elena: My first boxing trainers said that I was the softest but toughest person that they have ever met and they thought that it went with my personality. People said that I was like the wind up Baby dolls; once they put me in the ring, it’s like I became a different person.

MMARising.com: Should fans expect you to walk out to the sounds of “Baby Doll” by all-girl group Girlicious at your next fight? 🙂

Elena: It could happen, lol. I always let my sister pick my music. I like just thinking about the actual fight. She is really good at that stuff.

MMARising.com: In your fights, you often sport ring attire that prominently features pink, and you have also been a part of photo shoots that showcase you as more of a “girly girl.” Is it important for you to maintain a feminine image in the sport, even when your job is to punch others in the face for a living?

Elena: Important or not, it’s just who I am. I think that honesty is important. I love playing rough, but I love dressing up and being pampered, too.