Hit Like a Girl

Image courtesy of USAbudo.com

Kat poses from a promotional shot.

From double axels to spinning back fists, Kat Thomas is driven to prove “hitting like a girl” should be considered the highest compliment.

A former high-level figure skater, Kat isn’t just used to competition, she’s fueled by it. Sitting down to chat with TFC, Kat looked back at the transition from Ice Princess to Head Kick Specialist.

It doesn’t take more than a quick glance around Kat’s room to see how important competition is to her. Her walls are draped in medals and ribbons, none showing a number higher than 3^rd. Trophies are stacked on a giant display case in the corner of the room. Figure skating had consumed Kat’s life from age 8 until 18, the age she finally got fed up hearing “you hit like a girl” as an insult.

            “I knew I had more strength in my legs than most of the guys yelling this “insult” at me. I was a high level athlete, but since I was also a girl, these guys looked down on me. I decided then and there to step away from the ice and learn about fighting.”

Kat after a training session.

Now 22 years old, Kat has earned the nickname “Kryptonite” and is considered one of the better fighters at her club. The transition from figure-skating to kickboxing seems like a strange one, but Kat explained how useful her skating background was.

           

            “I already had great balance, core strength and flexibility. Those are all skills that take quite a while to build up, which slows the development of some fighters. Fortunately, I had a solid base when I started training, so I could focus more of my time and energy on learning technique.

Kat didn’t just learn the technique quickly; she applied it in the ring almost as fast. After only 6 months of training, Kat had her first fight; an experience she said was more daunting than any figure skating competition.

            “As someone who had competed from a young age, I figured my nerves were like steel, that I wouldn’t get nervous before a big event anymore. I was so very wrong. Walking into the ring for my first fight was more nerve-wracking than my biggest figure skating competition ever was. Knowing you are about to get hit – many times – takes a special type of mental preparation that you can’t understand until you experience it.”

“Kryptonite” walked out of her first fight victorious, and has continued that streak for many fights since. Kat hopes that one day the ribbons on her wall will be replaced by Championship Belts. 

Until then, Kryptonite is proud to walk into the ring, bow to her opponent, and Hit Like a Girl.

UFC 196 WALK THE WALK

UFC 196 is just a few days away and the MMA community is absolutely electric. On March 5th, the two main events feature some of the most exciting fighters in the game, who also happen to be a few of my favourite fighters. In honour of the big event, TFC presents a special Fight Night preview.

Co-Main Event: Holly Holm vs Miesha Tate

Holly Holm (left) stares down opponent Miesha Tate (right)
Picture from UFC.com

Holly Holm shocked the world and shot into stardom after a dramatic KO victory over previously undefeated Ronda Rousey. Her headkick knockout won Holly the Women’s Bantam weight title, something her opponent Miesha Tate has failed to do one two separate occasions, both against Ronda Rousey.

Stylistically, the advantage in this fight goes to Holly Holm.

A former kickboxer, Holly trains with Mike Winkeljohn, one of the best fight coaches in the game. Winkeljohn trained fighters are known for lightning fast footwork and never-ending cardio. Add in Holly’s devastating power and this fight could be over quickly, unless Miesha Tate can use her strength and rock-solid chin to eat shots and wear Holm down. 

TFC gives this fight to Holly Holm, with a second round TKO.

Main Event: Conor McGregor vs Nate Diaz

Conor McGregor (left) vs Nate Diaz (right)
Picture from The Bleacher Report

Talk The Talk, Walk The Walk:

The main event is a battle between two of the best talkers in the UFC. Mega-star and Featherweight champ Conor McGregor is known for getting into his opponents head with spectacular amounts of trashtalk. His opponent Nate Diaz has a reputation as a “bad boy of MMA,” who uses trash talk during the fight to throw his opponent off.

These guys don’t just have skilled tongues, though.

McGregor KO’d long time Featherweight Champion Jose Aldo in 13 seconds, something many thought couldn’t be done.

Diaz has very impressive striking and posses a wealth of BJJ knowledge, something that could be a factor in the fight.

TFC sees this fight either ending early with a McGregor KO, or Diaz by submission in the later rounds.
For an official predication, TFC gives this fight to Conor McGregor via second round KO.