USMF National Title Bout – Muay Thai Amateur Division:
Marisela Badillo of Unlimited MMA defeated Rima Sidhu of 5 Points via Unanimous Decision (119 lbs)
On May 1, 2010 you fought Rima Sidhu and earned the USMF National Title. What do you feel was at your advantage in the fight?
As with every fight, I think the advantage I always have is my training. We live by the motto "train hard, fight easy." Coach Rudi and my teammates push me at every sparring session and every strength and conditioning session. There is nothing my opponent can do to me that hasn't been done to me already, so when I get in the ring I feel like I've been there before, and I know how to push through any tough moments that may happen.
Rima is a very talented fighter with a good amount of experience. What can you say about Rima's performance?
My shins will tell you she checks kicks really well...lol! Going into the fight I knew she had fought a lot of tough opponents, including the one and only Christine Toledo. So I knew I was in for a tough fight, and she didn't disappoint. Her clinch was strong and she had some good kicks. I think we were matched well against each other.
Both of you have trained and fought in Thailand and have experienced the culture and respect for the sport during the time you spent there. Did you feel any different stepping in the ring with her than you did for any of your previous opponents - did you feel you shared something in common or have a different level of respect for her because of it?
The longer you are in this sport, the tougher you're opponents are going to get. Like I said, she has some big names on her list of opponents, and having been to the World's, I knew the level of fighter she was going to be. I'm not sure if it made me think differently about her as much as I had to think differently about myself. I felt like I had to step up my training and my game because I knew what I was up against.
You have been on a winning streak in your recent fight career. What are your future plans in the fight game?
I try to take it all one step at a time. Last year Coach and I spoke briefly about possibly going pro. Then I lost in Thailand, so now I have some unfinished business there that I hope to get redemption for this year. So I don't have a definite plan right now, but I do know that I'm moving forward in the game, and looking for bigger and better things.
Do you feel you are getting enough fights in Muay Thai to keep you staying busy? If not, have you thought about transitioning to MMA or have you done so already? What are your thoughts on MMA?
Right now, I am definitely satisfied with my fights in Muay Thai. Although I do take some Jiu Jitsu classes at our gym, my focus is on my standing game. At this point, I am not looking into going the MMA route, but I won't say never to anything...anymore. Just a few years ago I told Coach Rudi I would never go amatuer in kickboxing. Who knew? :)
What's next for you?
I think we'll look for one more fight here in the states before heading back to Thailand. But for now lots of R&R!!
Would you like to add or say anything in closing?
I am truly blessed to have such a great coach and team. They have helped me so much, so thank you to everyone at Unlimited MMA!! Also, my family and friends have been super supportive, especially my boyfriend Kama :) And, of course, all those who support us fighters. ALIAS Fight Wear, Bad Reputation, GFY, thank you for keeping the sport alive!!
Congratulations on your title win! Keep it up and keep representing!