MMARising.com: You were also working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, but you’ve now moved back to Arizona. Are you still enrolled in classes from UNLV or have you had to put that on hold while fighting?

Elena: I am a lifetime student, lol. I am actually going for a second degree.

MMARising.com: How important is it to have that education to fall back on for when you are no longer competing in combat sports?

Elena: It’s huge. School is not the only way to be educated, but education should always be #1. Knowledge is power! I love this sport, but being a female is rough. It’s like, no matter how much you accomplish, it’s impossible to make a living. When we say that we do it for the love of the sport, we mean it.

I love what I do, but it almost feels irresponsible sometimes. I’ve worked so hard and even been able to accomplish quite a bit, but have nothing to show for it. I have to almost support my hobby. It can be quite difficult. I just hope that I’m helping to create more opportunities for future women in the sport.

MMARising.com: At present, you have one of the brightest futures of any woman in mixed martial arts. If you stick with MMA for the long-term, you could easily become one of the best female fighters to ever compete in the sport. Do you see yourself involved in MMA (and boxing) for many years to come or are you aiming for a change of pace in the future?

Elena: I would be more than honoured to stick with the sport.

MMARising.com: If given the opportunity, would you like to compete in front of a large (television) audience for a promotion such as Strikeforce?

Elena: Yes, Yes and Yes!!!!

MMARising.com: For those who may not yet be familiar with you or your career, what would you most like fans to know about Elena Reid?

Elena: I love both sports and I have always done by best to respect them. I’ve always tried to put on exciting fights.

MMARising.com: Looking forward to the next 12 months, what are your goals for your MMA career and where do you see yourself one year from now?

Elena: I would love to fight abroad and have as many titles as possible. I see myself fighting a lot more in MMA.

MMARising.com: If you could set up a dream MMA fight between yourself and an opponent of your choosing, who would it be and why?

Elena: I would like to fight everyone because that’s what you should do.

MMARising.com: What are some words to live by that you feel that everyone should follow?

Elena: “To live life out of respect for yesterday, for right now and in hopes of a great tomorrow.” You always have the right to choose, so make your choices wisely. All we have is our truth and, with that, you can hold your head up high. Live to love and love to live…life is about living.

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

Elena: God must always be #1. Thank you to my mother for always supporting and loving me. Thanks to my whole family – my Uncle Kevin, Donna, Kyle, Vic, Sarah and all of them.

To Ray, my boyfriend, for showing me what it is to be fearless and what loving the sport really is. Thanks to Xtreme Couture and Arizona Combat Sports, and to all of the fans. Your support means the world to me.

MMARising.com would like to sincerely thank Elena for taking the time for this interview. We are big supporters of her career and look forward to seeing her continue to rise up the mixed martial arts ranks.

An additional thank you to Darrick Patrick for his assistance with setting up this interview.