28-May-19
“`html
This podcast features UFC Strawweight fighter Michelle Waterson, diving deep into her martial arts journey, her experience as a mother in the competitive world of MMA, and her thoughts on the controversial topics of doping and gender inclusion in sports.
The podcast explores the fascinating dichotomy of Waterson’s “normal” demeanor and her fierce fighting spirit. It also delves into the unique challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, as well as the complexities of the MMA world.
Here are some of the major topics discussed, with a brief summary of each:
- Michelle Waterson’s Martial Arts Journey:
- Waterson’s initial foray into martial arts began with karate at the age of 10. She found her niche in points fighting, focusing on head kicks to score points.
- After earning her black belt in karate, she explored other martial arts like Wushu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, finding her true calling in MMA.
- Her first MMA fight was unexpectedly a professional match against a seasoned pro, despite having only four weeks of grappling training. She surprisingly won by dominating her opponent on the ground.
- Waterson’s journey showcases a dedication to constant learning and improvement, embracing new challenges and integrating different martial arts styles into her MMA game.
- Motherhood and MMA:
- Waterson’s experience as a mother in the UFC is a testament to her strength and dedication. She competed in her first fight back just 10 months after giving birth, navigating the challenges of breastfeeding while training and fighting.
- Her daughter has witnessed her entire professional fighting career, gaining a unique perspective on the world of MMA and her mother’s dedication to pursuing her dreams.
- Waterson uses her platform to empower mothers, demonstrating that motherhood doesn’t need to be a barrier to pursuing personal goals and achieving success.
- The podcast reveals the importance of having a supportive network, highlighting how Waterson’s coaches and fellow athletes helped her navigate the challenges of motherhood and fighting.
- Doping in MMA:
- Waterson’s strong stance against doping reflects her commitment to fair competition. She admires the USADA’s rigorous testing program, even acknowledging its potential for unfairness due to differing regulations in other countries.
- The podcast explores the complex ethical issues surrounding doping in MMA, acknowledging the pressure to enhance performance and the risk of being caught, even with sophisticated testing methods.
- Waterson emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, stressing that ultimately, the decision to use performance-enhancing drugs is a personal choice with potential consequences.
- The conversation highlights the evolution of drug testing in MMA, recognizing the sophisticated technology used today to detect even trace amounts of banned substances.
- Gender Inclusion in Sports:
- Waterson’s views on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports are a testament to her strong convictions. She believes in inclusivity, advocating for separate divisions for transgender athletes to ensure fair competition.
- The conversation delves into the biological differences between men and women, highlighting the physical advantages conferred by male hormones and the potential for unfairness in mixed-gender competitions.
- Waterson advocates for a world where everyone is included, suggesting the creation of separate leagues or divisions for transgender athletes, allowing them to compete on a level playing field.
- The podcast underscores the importance of recognizing biological differences in athletic competitions, while still advocating for inclusivity and respect for individual identities.
- The Future of Women’s MMA:
- Waterson expresses her confidence in the 115-pound women’s division, believing that any fight she takes from this point forward will be a championship-caliber match.
- She highlights the remarkable talent pool in the division, emphasizing the competitive landscape with top contenders like Jessica Andrade, Rose Namajunas, and Valentina Shevchenko.
- Waterson’s ambition to become the first mom to win a UFC title underscores her desire to break barriers and inspire other mothers pursuing their dreams.
- The podcast explores the potential for a future where women’s MMA reaches a similar level of popularity as men’s MMA, fueled by the incredible talent and dedication of the athletes.
Here are five memorable quotes from the podcast:
- “I always came back to sparring because I wasn’t good at it. It bugged me that I wasn’t good at it.” – Waterson demonstrates her dedication to pushing her limits and overcoming her weaknesses.
- “Never in my life I thought I would be a top UFC contender.” – Waterson reflects on her remarkable journey, highlighting her incredible achievements in the sport.
- “I feel like at the end of the day, girls need to fight girls and guys need to fight guys.” – Waterson articulates her belief in the importance of recognizing biological differences in athletic competition.
- “I feel like so much of us, we train specific boxing, specific MMA, or kickboxing… but we never really blend it together.” – Waterson emphasizes the importance of integrating different martial arts skills to create a well-rounded MMA fighter.
- “I’d rather her see it [getting hurt] and be prepared for it, because life isn’t fair, life isn’t sunshine and rainbows all the time. It’s challenging things for kids, that’s how they grow.” – Waterson reveals her perspective on shielding her daughter from the realities of fighting, choosing instead to empower her through experience.
“`