The number 4 lightweight in the world Gabrielle ‘Gabanator’ Holloway (7-0 amateur, 5-4 pro) hasn’t been in action since last year after a split decision loss to Arlene Blencowe at Bellator 146 which many fans argued Holloway had actually won. She speaks openly to us about where she’s been, girls refusing to fight her, why she fights, losses she would like to avenge, Cyborg, the upcoming Nunes VS Rousey bout, wanting to fight rising prospects Bobbi-Jo Dalziel & Jozette Cotton and lots more. Below is the full transcript from the interview.

It’s been almost a year since your last fight, can you tell us where you have been?

I have been right here all along sharpening my skills and adding to my toolbox. I even made my pro debut in boxing with no amateur boxing experience at all. I never wanted to be out of the cage for a year but after a few fights didn’t go my way the promoters just kicked me to the curb. The few promoters out there willing to give me a chance can’t find me any opponents. Even the 4 people that beat me won’t give me a rematch; because they know I beat myself they didn’t beat me. I have never been submitted or knocked out in my entire MMA career.

What made you want to get into MMA?

Right after I graduated high school in 2008, I started training at Zamora Boxing Gym in Culpeper VA just to stay in shape. One thing lead to another and I had my first amateur MMA fight before I left for college at Kansas State University. When I came back to VA I had a few more amateur fights ending my amateur career undefeated at 7-0, before turning pro in 2012.

Do you prefer to go to the ground or keep the fight on the feet?

In the beginning of my career coming from a wrestling background I preferred to go to the ground every chance I could. After years of training and becoming more comfortable on my feet I like keeping it standing now. With that being said wrestling will always be my go to move if need be.

Aside from MMA, what else do you enjoy doing?

Just to list a few. I enjoy rescuing animals. I enjoy being around animals. I enjoy going to the University of Maryland studying animal science/pre-vet. I enjoy playing the euphonium in the 229th Army Band. I enjoy training at Evolve Academy because it is so much more than just MMA. I enjoy playing ice hockey. I enjoy learning sign language. I enjoy LIFE!!

What separates you from all the other fighters?

I am the Gabanator, I am blessed, I am always humble, I train at evolve academy. I fight strictly for fun, not for fame, not for money, and not to prove anything. I don’t make excuses I just do it. I am the laziest person I know, but it works for me *laughs*.

Bobbi-Jo Dalziel and Jozette Cotton are two rising prospects who are currently the Number 1 and 2 in the Lightweight World Rankings respectively. What are your opinions on them, are they girls you would like to fight?

They are tough chicks, and I would like to fight them both.

You have never been finished in your MMA career. Your four losses are close decisions to Latoya Walker, Julia Budd, Brittney Elkin and Arlene Blencowe. Which loss would you like to avenge the most and why?

I want Latoya Walker because she gave me my very first loss ever in my entire MMA career.

You also fight at Featherweight, a division where Cris Cyborg has reigned supreme for a long time. Is Cyborg a woman you’d like to face at some point, and what would it take to beat her?

I have mad respect for cyborg she is the champion. It would take someone to execute whatever their game plan is successfully on her to beat her. I never back away from a challenge I would totally fight Cyborg.

You have fought at many different weight divisions. Which do you feel most comfortable at?

I feel most comfortable fighting at 135lbs.

What would you say your biggest strengths are, and what’s the thing you need to work on the most?

My biggest strengths are my health, and my knowledge. Things I need to work on the most are not being so nice to my opponents in the cage, and my kicks.

How do you see the UFC 207 main event between Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes going down?

I respect Ronda Rousey as an athlete and I wish her well in this fight, but I think Amanda Nunes is going to win. Either way I am excited for her return.

What do you hope to have accomplished by the end of 2017?

At this point just to get back in the cage period.

At the end of your career what would you like to be proud of?

It’s nowhere near the end of my career, but I am already proud of everything that I have accomplished thus far.

Holloway is one of the best fighters in the world and it’s unfortunate promoters and fighters are refusing to give her fights. Invicta FC are always looking for new featherweights to join the division, Holloway would be the perfect fit. Walker VS Holloway 2 certainly does sound very intriguing.

You can follow Holloway and her journey back to the top by following her social media.

Twitter – @GabbyGabanator

Facebook – CLICK HERE

Share this: Facebook

Twitter

Email

