Kaitlin Young On Women's MMA

Lockflow caught up with Kaitlin Young, a professional MMA fighter who has fought the likes of Gina Carano and Meisha Tate. She shared her experiences in the sport and offered advice for young fighters getting into the sport.

How did you get involved in MMA and how long have you been training?

I have been competing in MMA for about 3 years now, but I started martial arts almost 11 years ago. I first began in Tae Kwon Do, then I had a couple of full-contact kickboxing fights, then I came to Minnesota Martial Arts Academy to start training Muay Thai. I had some amateur Muay Thai fights, and then started training for MMA.

Where are you training currently, and what's a typical training program like?

I train at the Academy in Brooklyn Center, MN. (Formerly known as the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy) My typical week varies depending on whether or not I have a fight coming up and how far out I am from that fight. For instance, I am training for a K-1 rules fight right now so I pretty much run, skip rope, shadow box, do glove drills, spar and hit the pads and/or bag. I do some supplemental strength and conditioning 2-3 times per week to help develop explosive power and prevent injury.

When I have a mixed martial arts fight on the horizon I continue all of those things, but I also have to make room to work takedowns/takedown defense and groundwork (drilling, live rolling, rolling with striking, etc.). Between fights I try to spend time on everything and will take a little extra time for strength training.

What challenges do you face as a female MMA fighter and how do you deal with them?

I don't feel that there are challenges in this sport that are exclusive to females. It seems to me that people outside of the sport may have a harder time with females fighting, but within the MMA community they are very much accepted.

There is a smaller talent pool, however, which means that the opportunities to fight are a little more spread out. The women's side of the division is less saturated than the men's as well, so your likelihood of getting a big break is a little better. It really depends on how you choose to view it. I would say that the men's and women's divisions have a different dynamic from one another, but I don't know that either is more beneficial.

What is your best experience as a fighter? What is your worst?

Any time I have finished a fight it has been an equally awesome experience. Losing a fight that I would have likely won on a different day was most certainly my worst experience.

What would you say to other women thinking about competing in MMA?

I would tell the to be prepared to work hard if they would like to be taken seriously....and make weight for crying out loud!

If they are planning on fighting as a professional I would advise them to never quit their day job. I compare the MMA industry to a highly likely lottery. You only MAYBE will get what you are promised by promoters, sponsors, opponents, etc. so do not put yourself in a position where you will need to depend on it - even when it is in writing.

Are you involved in any other activities or causes outside of MMA?

I am a huge fan of the ASPCA. I do my best to only buy cruelty free/cage free meat and eggs. I don't mind paying a couple dollars more so that whatever animal I am eating doesn't have to spend its time alive in misery.

What are your plans for the future?

I have a K-1 rules fight this coming weekend. I plan on staying very busy this year and would like to fight again in late January or February. I am hoping to spend time fighting both MMA and Muay Thai rules.