Joanne Calderwood talks win at Cage Warriors 53 and fighting again for Invicta

Kingdom MMA Interview Joanne Calderwood after her Cage Warriors 53 win

by Ben Heather @benheather

At Cage Warriors 53 Joanne Calderwood improved her MMA record to 6-0 with a devastating TKO victory against Sally Krumdiack and today Kingdom MMA again got the privilege to ask Joanne some questions, this time about her fight and her future.

Firstly Joanne congratulations to you on your win at cage warriors 53, did you feel any emotions when you made your way to the cage in your hometown on Saturday night?
Every time I make my way to the cage/ ring its usually always the same drill, I just listen to my song and try to stay calm. I actually hate the walk in but there is no emotions at that point or in the fight for me. I only feel stuff after the fight, there's no place in a fight for emotion.

What did you make of the crowd? It sounded to me like the whole arena was shaking when you made your entrance.
I knew there was going to be a lot of support there but tried not to concentrate on that. I always look forward to catching up with everyone after the fight when I don't need to focus and be in the zone. I was actually surprised talking to people that i didn't know after the show that they were there just to see me fight because they are following my career. Any support other than my family and gym family is a bonus so I was even happier Saturday night. I've heard the atmosphere was crazy for my fight but I'm not the type to notice it at the time.

How did you rate your performance?
On a scale of 1-10.......6 it's cool I got to show case my boxing in this one, that was new but I've still got a lot of show.

Did Krumdiack fight how you expected and how you had trained for in the cage?
No she didn't, but like I always say I expect everything when I go in there. You can think about the fight to go a hundred million different ways and it could still be different. My coaches expected Sally to rush forward and try hold or take me down against the fence sooner, the one time she did rush I caught her.

Just before the end of the fight Krumdiack made her first and only mistake by missing with a spinning back fist, you made her pay for this and got the stoppage.
Can you talk us through the end of the fight?
I backed Sally up to the fence and as she tried to spin for the Backfist I teeped her off balance, basic Muay Thai, Sally scrambled up and rushed forward punching, I adjusted my range and dropped her with a check uppercut, I knew Mark Goddard was a bit away so I followed her down and hit her until he stopped it in case Sally recovered.

At the time I thought there was a gap in the knock down and the next few shots but when I seen it back I was on her pretty quick which I'm happy about, killer instinct is never anything I've been lacking I like when that shows.

Do you pride yourself on the fact that it only took one mistake by your opponent for you to finish the fight?
I think at this level it only takes one mistake by either fighter,I think one mistake will be the difference between winning and losing, that's why there's no place in my fights for emotions and concentration is so important. I fight doing my best to not make mistakes if the other girl does I'll jump on it.

Have you watched the fight back, if so did you spot any areas for you to improve on?
Yeah I've watched it back, I was back in gym the Monday going over things and I found out on the Wednesday that there was a grappling competition on in the town I was going to for a wedding so I jumped in on that and won my division which was cool as I didn't get to grapple during the Cage Warriors fight.

I love the quote and I've took it on for the way I'm looking at my future....'Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. ' goals obviously being fights ;) I'm always going to be looking to improve every area of my game.

Did you come away fit and healthy from the fight?
Yeah although after a few days off the diet now I don't know about healthy ;)

Your next fight has just been announced, what do you make of your opponent and how many fights away from a title fight possibly with Carla Esparza are you?
My next fight is at Invicta 6 against a great Brazilian fighter Claudia Gahdela who's 9-0, a BJJ blackbelt and from nova unioa, Jose Aldo's team so that's all I will be focusing on for now. Claudia was meant to fight Carla at Invicta 4 but got injured training, I guess the winner of this fight will be next in line for who ever has the belt after Invicta 6. What's for me won't go by me.

Do you think the Krumdiack fight could be the last time you get to fight in the UK for a while, if so are you happy you got to put on a great show in your home town as a parting gift to the UK scene?
I enjoy fighting abroad so I can stay in hotels and steal the wee soaps, towels and bath robes to sell them back in the scheme. ( my team mates Paul and carpet wanted to help with this interview and l promised I'd keep at least one of their answers in).

I'm going to be tied to Invicta which keeps me in the US but if a big opportunity came up I'm sure Invicta would let me fight in the UK, there is nothing in the foreseeable future so it could be a long time before I fight in Glasgow again. I suppose if it was to be my last home fight it couldn't have gone much better. KO of the night on a big international show.

Would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Thank you for the interview. Thanks to Cage Warriors for having me on and Invicta for giving me permission to stay active I can't wait to get back there though its starting to feel like home.

If anyone is looking to sponsor me for my next 6 fights in USA please get in touch with jamesdoolan23@hotmail.com your support would be much appreciated.

Thank you again for your time Joanne and we all at Kingdom MMA look forward to seeing you fight at Invicta 6.

Cage Warriors 53 - So Good Even My Mrs. Loved It!

Cage Warriors 53 - So Good Even My Mrs. Loved It!

By Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

 

As I sit here with the mid week blues, I can't help but dreaming of the past weekends MMA, and while I should be thinking about the UFC – new TUF champ, new No.1 contender in the womens Bantamweight division, I can't help but think of the excellent show, Europe's finest, Cage Warriors put on.

I am a huge MMA fan, If I'm not writing about it, then I am talking about it, and if I'm not talking about it then its only because no one is around, and I'm most probably thinking about it. As a family man, I usually commit my Saturday nights to my wife – its only fair for the amount of work I do on this website during the week. Now don't get me wrong, I never miss a Cage Warriors event, but because of my commitments – happy wife, happy life after all. I usually end up watching the events back later on, or catching a highlight package. However covering the build up to CW 53 and the team interviewing most of the main card including Jim Alers and Joanne Calderwood, I knew I had to watch this one live.

So I got up on Saturday morning and took myself off to work, with the plan of convincing the Mrs. that watching Cage Warriors 53 live would be much better than the return of BGT. Lunch time rolled around, and I went for it:

Babe, you know I love you don't you? Can we watch @CageWarriors tonight - it would be wrong not to! :) @misshouts, I tweeted so the love of my life could pick it up when it suits her, and carried on with my day, only to receive a tweet back later that read: as long as you bring some yummy snacks home.......the fights better be good!

"Boom, we're on" I thought. I finished work, blasted over to Tesco, picked up as many snacks as I could to keep the little lady happy and headed home. Got in had a couple of games of WWE 13 with the little man (let him win of course......honestly) before tucking him tight in his Super Mario Blanket, and shimmed down the stairs ready for an excellent night with my first love..... and my wife.

We sat down in the living room, with the iMac set up on the coffee table, I dimmed the lights, and once again I was reminded "the fights better be good". Assuring her it would be I clicked the play button on the Cage Warriors website..... damn its not connecting, emergency tweet "anyone else having problems getting the stream going for CW53", couple of refreshes, and we are live.

Before I go any further let it just be known that my Mrs. is a pretty big mma fan, by choice not just on account that she lives with me. 

I make this point as the first fight on the main card - Doolan vs Pennington was a ground battle, and one for us connoisseurs. By now, I'm going to simply presume you have all watched the card so I won't rehash the fight, but I will say it was a cracker. One which we both looked at each other nodded and said good fight.

Next on the card was Seery vs Paul Marin which brought on the debate of who looked harder. Being the son of a potato eating ditch digging paddy from Donegal , I was obviously backing the Irishman, and the Mrs. she was backing the other guy  - I say other guy because I couldn't see past a Seery victory to even consider his opponent. This meant war, for bragging rights............... and for who would do the washing up the next night.

You should have seen my joy when the kick landed - no washing up, no being mocked, no being beaten..... BY A STINKY GIRL, I turned into a big kid, I did a few laps around the coffee table and a victory dance, in fact I think I was more excited with the win than Neil Sheery himself.

We torn on the battle of the Jasons also - Jason Ball vs Jason Cooledge, and lets just say double or nothing proved to be a bad idea, and not for me!

By the time we got to Joanne Calderwood vs Sally Krumdiack my good half was completely buzzing. Before the start of the fight she said to me "who are we supporting in this one" so explained how we want the Scottish girl to win and he began to tell here about her record etc. before being cut off by shouts of "come on  Jo Jo", "Hit her", "go on".

By the end of the night the Mrs. was officially Cage Warriors biggest fan, in fact that much so she was asking when the next event was so we can go. So here's to Cage Warriors, I official salute you! Not only did you put on an excellent event on Saturday, you have have just saved me having to watch Saturday Night TV bullshit, atleast a couple of times this year -well done!

Video: Cage Warriors 53 (Full Fight Card)

Video: Cage Warriors 53 (Full Fight Card)

So, the Mrs. made you watch Britian's Got Talent on Saturday night, and you missed Cage Warriors 53. Do not fear as the full card has now hit Youtube. Sit back and relax like me - with a can of Coke, and a bag of Cadburys Clusters - Enjoy!

Jim Alers on becoming champ "This is one of the best feeling I have had"

Kingdom MMA post fight interview with Cage Warriors Champ Jim Alers

by Chris Houghton @Houts4thewin

On Saturday night Jim Alers became the new Cage Warriors Featherweight champion capturing the belt with a 4th round armbar. In the process he improved his record to a very impressive 10-1 including a current run of 6-0.

This morning Jim spoke with Kingdom MMA about his fight, becoming the champion and his plans for the future.

Chris: When we caught up with you last week Jim you were excited to be making the journey over to Scotland. What did you think of Glasgow as a whole - the people, the place, and the culture?
Alers: It's a wonderful place full of great history. The people there were all so kind and welcoming. The crowd was also very supportive and seemed educated in MMA. I was glad I got to experience Scotland.

Chris: How are you feeling since winning the CW belt, on top of the world I should imagine?
Alers: This is one of the best feelings that I have had. I worked so hard to get here so I am going to treasure every minute of it.

Chris: Salovaara proved he was a tough fighter by taking you past the 2nd round for the first time in your career, have you taken anything away from the fight that you would like to work on?
Alers: I will like to work on sooo many things. I want to get better everyday to become a more complete fighter. I saw my weaknesses and I will work on them as soon as I get back to the states.

Chris: What was the game plan going into this fight; did you envision a submission victory?
Alers: The game plan was to stand and trade a little bit for each round. I wanted to use my stand up for at least half of each round. I just couldn't find the distance with him so it wasn't working out the way I planned.

Chris: You looked like you started to slow going in to the 3rd and 4th but it looked like your cardio was still there. How did you feel going past the 2nd round?
Alers: To be honest I think the nerves got to me. He hurt my nose in the first pretty bad and it was hard to breath but I think I got an adrenalin dump. I just wanted the title so badly

Chris: You mentioned in our last interview you had been training at Duke Roufus' for this fight, did you feel you were able to apply what you learnt there well in this fight?
Alers: I threw my first kick so I guess I can say I learned that from being at Dukes. I wish I opened up more on my feet but that will take time and practice. I'm sure it will all come together soon.

Chris: You mentioned you wanted to fight again in July, how likely is that looking right now? and do you have any opponents in mind?
Alers: Right now I feel I can fight tomorrow so as long as Cage Warriors says yes I will be ready to fight. I have no idea who will be next in line for my belt. There are so many great fighters in Cage Warriors that it could be a number of people

Chris: After seeing the past title holder Conor McGregor progress his career and cause a storm in his UFC debut, how close do you feel you are from following in his footsteps into the UFC?
Alers: I feel that I am knocking on their door at the moment. I can't be very far from fighting in the Octagon.

Chris: Whats the plan now for Jim Alers, a nice break, or you already back in the gym?
Alers: I am actually going to go train today in London. I'm going to stay in shape and be ready for any opportunities that come my way.

Once again Jim thanks for your time, and all of us at Kingdom MMA can not wait to see you back in the cage soon, defending your title for Cage Warriors.

Cage Warriors 53: Weigh in Results

Weigh in Results for Cage Warriors 53

by Ben Heather @benheather

Tomorrows Cage Warriors 53 main event is official as Jim Alers and Joni Salovaara are both on weight and will now fight for the vacant CWFC featherweight title at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

The pair both weighed in under the 145lbs limit at this afternoon’s weigh ins, and will now clash in a bid to succeed Conor McGregor as the next champion of the Cage Warriors featherweight division. Conor McGregor of course vacated both the featherweight and lightweight titles when he signed for the UFC.

All of the other main card fighters made weight when they stepped on to the scales, with only Jean N’Doye failing to make the weight for his prelim fight against Richie Edgeworth.

N’Doye, who had been aiming to make the cut to bantamweight for the first time, could only weigh in at  137.2lbs and therefore surrenders 25 percent of his purse to Edgeworth.

Full list of results from todays weigh in can be found below.

MAIN CARD
Joni Salovaara (144.6lbs) v Jim Alers (144.4lbs) - For the vacant CWFC featherweight title
Sally Krumdiack (114.8lbs) v Joanne Calderwood (115.9lbs) - strawweight
Chris Scott (185lbs) v Mats Nilsson (184.8lbs) - middleweight
Jason Cooledge (155.7lbs) v Jason Ball (156lbs) - lightweight
Paul Marin (125.5lbs) v Neil Seery (125.1lbs) - flyweight
James Pennington (135.4lbs) v James Doolan (135.5lbs) - bantamweight

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Richie Edgeworth (136lbs) v Jean N’Doye (137.2lbs)* - bantamweight
Joe Laurence (125.4lbs) v Mark Connor (125.9lbs) - flyweight
*Fighter missed contracted weight, surrendering 25 percent of his purse to his opponent

Remember to check out Kingdom MMA's interviews with some of the fighters on this card. Kingdom MMA had the pleasure to speak with Jim Alers, Joanne Calderwood, Jason Cooledge and James Doolan before their fights on Saturday night.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for the latest news from Cage Warriors, as well as all the other MMA news from the world of MMA.

Interview: James Doolan Talks CW53, James Pennington, Scottish MMA, Joanne Calderwood, & Dinky Ninjas

James Doolan Talks to Kingdom MMA Ahead of his Fight with James Pennington
By Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

This Saturday night from Kelvin Hall, in his native Scotland, UK MMA veteran James Doolan takes on James Pennington, an up and coming fighter who fights out of Gym 01.

On Thursday I caught up with 34 year old Doolan (17-8-2) a current OMMAC champion, and top contender for the Bamma Bantamweight belt, ahead of his fight at Cage Warriors 53 to discuss his opponent, Scottish MMA, his partner Joanne Calderwood - who is also fighting at CW53, and being a coach at Dinky Ninjas.

Chris: James Pennington fights out of a great gym in Gym 01, have you seen many of his fights, and what do you expect his game plan will be going into your fight?
Doolan: I've seen most of them online and got one or two seen to me, I have a lot of respect for the team he comes from they're excellent, game plan wise I expect him to try and press forward and get the double leg against the cage,  he's used that well in the past and a few of his team mates do the same thing. From there he's probably going to look to stay on top hitting and looking for me to turn and give him my back or leave something for him to get the submission. You never know but game plans can quickly go out the window in fights.  I'm sure James will be coming prepared for everything the same as I will be.

Pennington has a respectable ground game with 5 of his 6 victories coming via submission, but you have been in there will top level ground guys before – taking Vaughn Lee to a draw, and even submitting a well respected BJJ blackbelt in Spencer Hewitt. How would you compare James Penningtons skills to some of the other guys you have fought?
In my mind he's the best guy I will have fought to date, I have to think like that in training. Compared to some of the guys I've fought he's an up and comer but those guys are dangerous. I think I'm definitely the best guy James will have been in with to date, I think he's better than most of the domestic guys I've fought.  Having been in the fights I've been in though should be a massive advantage to me.

How has your training camp been for this fight, have you focused on any areas which you think will hold the key to victory against Pennington?
We always prepare for everything I've had training partners look at James and mimic him in sparring which is something we always do, if anything training has been easier with James being taller, the last bunch of guys I've fought have been short and they present different problems in the fight and in the gym getting sparring partners of similar stature, for this fight though I've been sparring and training some of the best feather and light weight fighters in the UK.  The key to victory will be making sure I perform and jumping on any mistakes James might make. I don't expect him to make many so ill be ready when he does.

We talked to Joanne earlier in the week about fighting on the same card on Saturday, she said she felt with you both having fights on the card it has made you both work harder in your training camp. How have you found the experience of living together, and both training for a fight on the same night?
Having A pro fighter as a partner definitely makes things easier, she understands everything about the game as she's been there herself. We have fought around the same dates before but never exactly on the same date and same card so it's been easier in a lot of ways both being at the same stage in training, then diet and with the weight cut. We both put in the work, the weight will take care of itself and we both love to fight , I don't think we will appreciate the whole scenario until after the fights, but we both wanted to do it as it will maybe be the only chance we get.

The Scottish are known to be hugely passionate, what kind of reception can Pennington expect when he walks to that cage on Saturday night?
The crowd up here appreciate good fights, I've never heard them boo anyone just because of there nationally, I'm sure if they did it wouldn't bother James that much, the crowds never been something that's affected me in the past although I know some fighters feed off it.

Your fight against Pennington will be your 28th pro bout, is the desire to fight still the same as when you started?
The desire is still there, the minute I don't want to fight or enjoy it I won't do it, it's not like its my source of income, I fight just to better myself and test stuff. I'm more worried about getting to a time when I can't fight at a decent level than losing the desire to fight because ill miss it.

If anything there's less pressure on me now fighting than there was a few years ago so that's cool.

Nowadays do you take more pride in being a fighter or as a coach?
I wanted to coach martial arts and have my own gym from a young age, I actually started fighting just under the assumption it would make me a better coach, originally I planned to have one fight, 12 kickboxing fights, 12 Muay Thai fights, 5 amateur 5 semi pro and nearly 30 pro MMA fights later I'm enjoying fighting more than ever but I love coaching more.

I'm better at coaching than I am at fighting, I really like the positive changes martial arts make in people's life's, it's rewarding for me watching people reach there goals whether it's losing some weight or winning pro fights. Coaching wise I've been very lucky to work with some great fighters like Paul McVeigh, Joanne , Graham Turner, Martin Delaney, Robert Whiteford,  Allan Johnson, John Quinn, Dan Hope, Allan love, Steven Ray and a bunch of others.

How do you feel the Scottish MMA scene has evolved since you started your pro career?
Slowly if I'm honest, there's not much going on professionally outside the dinky ninjas, there is some good amateur teams bringing guys through who should strengthen the pro ranks up here in a few years.

What will be the bigger buzz for you on Saturday, beating Pennington or watching Joanne win?
The plan is for both.  If I had to pick one? Joanne winning.

I think it would be fair to say your win over Spencer Hewitt at Bamma 11 solidified you as a contender for the Bantamweight title, can you fans expect to see you back fighting for Bamma this year?
BAMMA has been in touch with me management and most likely my next fight this year will be with them for the bantamweight title which is something I want.

Finally James, what can we expect from Dinky Ninjas in 2013?
Big things, we are planning on building on everything we have done before, we have some guys sitting on the UFCs radar, guys signed to Cage Warriors, BAMMA and Invicta , we have some, new guys coming thorough that are killers, our coaching staff is going from strength to strength. As much as we achieved in the past we are just getting started.

Cage Warriors 53, stream live in The UK through Cagewarriors.com - Prelims begin at 20:00 GMT

Jason Cooledge "My goal is to make a statement and finish Jason Ball"

Kingdom MMA chat to Jason Cooledge ahead of his fight at Cage Warriors 53

by Ben Heather @benheather

Jason Cooledge (7-3 MMA) took time out of his schedule today to answer some questions for Kingdom MMA. Jason is fighting on the main card of Cage Warriors 53 Saturday night at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow Scotland and will be looking to make it three wins in a row if he can beat Jason Ball (19-11 MMA).

Ben: Hi Jason, thank you for agreeing to an interview with Kingdom MMA. At Cage Warriors 53 you make your debut fighting for Cage Warriors, for fans who have not seen your previous fights can you tell them a little bit about yourself?
Jason: I'm the animal. I fight out of BKK Fighters, Colchester under Jack Stone Mason. I have two kids and a loving wife and I'm a full time fighter.

Ben: Cage Warriors is a huge organisation in European MMA, you must be extremely excited and a little bit nervous at the same time to be featured on the main card Saturday?
Jason: I'm very excited I feel its deserved I work hard and fight even harder but feel blessed that a great organisation like Cage Warriors has recognised my hard work and I will put on a great show for them.

Ben: Your opponent Jason Ball has been in the cage with pretty much a who's who of the best UK 155lb fighters, is Ball your toughest test to date?
Jason: Maybe!!! Styles make fights so we will see.

Ben: Ball is known for his pro boxing background, going in to this fight how confident are you standing with Ball?
Jason: I'm very happy with my skills in all areas and feel i will control the cage with pressure and pace.

Ben: Jason Ball has not been stopped since former UFC fighter Paul Sass forced him to tap in November 2008, do you think you can force a stoppage win?
Jason: Hell yes and i will be ready to take any opportunity that I see. This is my goal, to make a statement and finish Ball so everyone knows who I am.

Ben: Do you see any area of weakness in Ball's skills that you will be able to target on Saturday night?
Jason: I don't really look at what my opponent does, just what i can do. Plus, you never know if your opponent will change last minute.

Ben: Have you focused more on your stand up game in training for this fight?
Jason: No more than usual, I work on everything twice a week at least to be as well rounded as possible.

Ben: In your last loss you took Martin Stapleton to a respectable decision, what did you learn from that loss?
Jason: Most of all I learnt my range and not to let people hit me even if it doesn't hurt me so a bit more discipline.

Ben: Since that loss you have won back to back fights both coming via submission, how do you feel your game has improved since the loss?
Jason: My game has gone through the roof, I'm nowhere near the fighter I used to be. Ive come on so much and I'm now on a whole new level.

Ben: And finally before you go would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Jason: Thank you for the interview, a big thanks to Cage Warriors for having me on the show. Thanks to my wife for looking after me and keeping me true to myself. My Gym BKK Fighters for being there for me always. Jack Mason for helping me in all aspects of my life. My pro team mate Sean Carter, Arnold Allen for being there to train with me. Steve Wright, all my coaches, Lee Catlin, Jamie Williams, Nick Albert beat man.

My Sponsors eprotein for my supplements, funky gums for my gum shields and British Fighter and Octagon wear for my training clothes and walk out gear.

Also thanks to all of my training partners for helping me out.

Thank you Jason for taking the time to answer all the questions from Kingdom MMA. Again, Jason will be fighting on the main card of Cage Warriors 53 at the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow on Saturday night.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for all the latest news on Jason Cooledge, Cage Warriors as well as all the other news from the world of MMA.

Kingdom MMA Exclusive Interview with Joanne Calderwood ahead of Cage Warriors 53

Joanne Calderwood talks Cage Warriors 53, Invicta, her friendship with Stitch Duran plus much more

by Ben Heather @benheather

Kingdom MMA today had the pleasure of asking Joanne Calderwood (5-0 MMA) some questions ahead of her fight against Sally Krumdiack which is the co main event on this weekends Cage Warriors 53 card. The Cage Warriors 53 card will be held in Calderwood's home town of Glasgow, Scotland.

Ben: Hi Joanne, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for Kingdom MMA.

Ben: Your last two fights were with Invicta, which you won both and now make your Cage Warriors debut on Saturday. What are your thoughts of fighting for Invicta?  It seems to be the promotion on everyone's lips lately.
Joanne: Its pretty remarkable what Invicta's achieved in just more than a year, but from their first one to their last one they are always asking what could make it better and how can they grow.

To be honest I don't know how it can be any better, being part of it is so amazing everything is looked at in great perceive esp the matchmaking. I think Invicta is going to be around for a long time and I hope this is inspiring the next generation of female mma fighters.

Ben: Is there much difference between fighting for Invicta in the states and fighting back home in the UK?
Joanne: No not really apart from the travelling. When I travel I take my home comforts with me (my sleeping bag and a few other items) I love going away and meeting new people, but also like that the guys at the gym don't need to wait up for me to fight in early hours of the morning with time difference and they can come watch live. Same with my mum, brother and sister I'm hoping in future I can bring them out to the states to see me fight there but for me a fights a fight regardless of where it is.

Ben: Do you feel more pressure fighting at home or when travelling to the States to fight under Invicta?
Joanne: No I don't like taking pressure on, in every day life there are enough stress/ worry/ pressure and I think there is always ways around this to help, like trying to stay positive and taking good vibes and using them.

I'm a great believer in things happen for a reason :) I prepare in a way that means there very little pressure on me.

Ben: Are you contracted to Invicta/ Cage Warriors or do you take each fight as it comes on a single fight contract?
Joanne: I'm contracted to Invicta, but this is yet another reason why Invicta is so great they agreed to me fighting on Cage Warriors which is a great opportunity as its one of the top European shows. They know I want to stay active but I will be representing Invicta and I shall be back in the states for Invicta 6.

Ben: Is the fight with Bec Hyatt a fight which you would still like, as it was due to happen at Invicta 4 before she was moved up to the main event?
Joanne: I'm not seeing past Saturday right now. But I know my future fights are in the good hands of Janet the matchmaker at Invicta and my dangerous bastards fight management.

There's been a couple names mentioned to me for the next Invicta, none of which have been Bec's though.

Ben: We have noticed on twitter that you have built up a rapport with Stitch, He said you were an awesome fighter and he was highly complimentary of you. That has to mean a lot, coming from a guy who has wrapped the hands of the best fighters in the world and what's your opinion of Stitch?
Joanne: You know I wish he was my uncle, he's one of those family members that you'd look up to and never want to leave their company. When he wrapped my hands at Invicta 3 he told me about a hundred stories the time passed so quick ha it was awesome. He's a true gentlemen and to hear/read the words he spoke of me was cool. It will be cool seeing him at the next Invicta.

Ben: If the UFC called you tomorrow would you go up to 135lbs to fight in the UFC?
Joanne: No because I've made arrangements for this weekend lol. In all seriousness the only way i'll be going to the UFC is if its in the right circumstances ie not 20 lbs heavier than my weight. What's for you won't go by you. I'd definitely consider 125lbs though.

Ben: This weekend you will be fighting Sally krumdiack at cage warriors 53, what do you think of your opponent and despite her recent 2-4 record in her last 6 fights do you expect a tough test?
Joanne: Hell yea, this girl is certainly not coming for the Scottish weather she will be coming here dangerous and wanting the win just as much as me.....but I will be ready. She's been around a long time and fought some excellent girls, her styles different to any the other girls I've faced so far. I expect a good fight.

Ben: Being a feared striker do you think your opponent will look to take you down at the earliest opportunity?
Joanne: I think my opponent is confident in her stand up and also being well rounded and it being an MMA fight I will expect it to go to the ground like I always do. In my first five fights any time fights have hit the ground it's been me that's took it there.

Ben: It seemed like Cage Warriors struggled to find you an opponent for this fight, does that give you confidence as by the sounds of it not many people want to get into the cage with you.
Joanne: They did struggle and its been like that from day one, I don't take it as confidence I take it and work with it.

Ben: Your partner James Doolan is also fighting on the card, is this something that has happened before and will you find it strange to be on the same fight card with him?
Joanne: This is a great experience for myself and James. We have both worked even harder this fight camp, pushing each other and sharing thoughts that we probably never got the chance to do before....not to mention its so much easier cooking for the both of us on diets. This is the first and probably last time, its something we can always look back on.

Ben: You will be fighting in Glasgow for the third time in your career the previous two time you have stopped your opponent, will you be looking to do the same again and how do you think you have the best chance of doing this?
Joanne: I've gone over the fight so many ways, I love this about the fighting sport you just never know what's going to happen all I can do is have the best fight camp to date and then be ready for the stoppage/ sub or even decision by performing on Saturday. I am always looking to finish fights though so Saturday won't be any different.

Ben: How did you find the transition from kick boxing to MMA and how did it originally happen?
Joanne: I'm from a Muay Thai background and was training at the griphouse gym that is also home to the dinky ninjas so I just got into it cause I wanted to try a different discipline and loved it.

Ben: Have you finished with kick boxing or do you still intend on doing both?
Joanne: I do intend to have at least one Muay Thai fight a year, but to be honest I don't really know where Thai boxing stands in my views anymore, I set out to fight as many of the best girls as possible not as many 'world champions ' who aren't even the best fighters in their own country. To be honest the politics and at times unprofessionalism in Muay Thai sickened me a bit.

Ben: Finally for people who have not seen Joanne Calderwood fight before can you tell them what they can expect to see on Saturday night.
Joanne: Funky hair cut....the look of someone that should be in secondary school and would be an easy picking for a bully Haha....but inside there is a badmofo and she will be ready for war.

Ben: Would you like to say thanks to anyone?
Joanne: Thanks for the interview! Thanks to my sponsors sandee Thailand, devils own, stark, funky gums, physio effect, SAS nutrition and thanks to everyone at the Griphouse gym and higher level gym!

Thank you for your time and for answering all of the questions for Kingdom MMA.

Video: Joanne Calderwood 'You Don’t Have To Be Loud To Be Heard’ Documentary

'You Don’t Have To Be Loud To Be Heard’

Ahead of her Cage Warriors debut in her home country, Scotland on Saturday April 14th, Joanne Calderwood (5-0) sat down with Cage Warriors to produce an insightful documentary looking at the 26-year-old strawweight’s preparations at the Griphouse gym in Glasgow for her upcoming bout against Sally Krumdiack.

Currently ranked 8th in the world at Stawweight, Calderwood features in the co-main event at Cage Warriors 53 at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow. 

'You don't have to be loud to be heard' is produced by Tommy Lakes, and is a must watch for all Cage Warrior, UK MMA, and Womens MMA fans alike.
 
Joanne Calderwood: 'You Don’t Have To Be Loud To Be Heard’

More more on Cage Warriors 53, stay tuned to the Calendar section on our site.

3 Fights Added to Cage Warriors 53 Including Joanne Calderwood vs. Sally Krumdiack

A Strawweight bout Joanne Calderwood (5-0) and Sally Krumdiack (9-6) has been confirmed as the co-main event for Cage Warriors 53, which takes place April 13th at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

Calderwood, a Muay Thai Vet who hold a 19-2 kickboxing record before beginning her career in MMA, will look to extend her Pro MMA record to 6 and 0 - which includes 2 wins under the Invicta FC banner, in her native Scotland when she takes on American Sally Kumdiack, who returns to the promotion for the first time since her TKO loss to Rossi Sexton.

Other additions to the card include lightweights Jason Ball (19-11) vs. Jason Cooledge (7-3) and flyweights Paul Marin (5-2) vs. Neil Seery (11-9).

Ball, who has faced the creme of the UK lightweight scene, enters the bout having just picked submission victory over Craig Allen at Bamma 12, snapping a 3 fight losing streak which included losses to Colin Fletcher, Andre Winner, and Leonardro Santos.

His opponent, Cooledge who is currently enjoying a 3-1 run, will be making his promotional debut at Cage Warriors 53.

Cage Warriors 53 also sees Paul Marin, a Romanian fighter, who returns to the cage following a loss to Paul McVeigh at Cage Warriors 52, take on Neil Seery, an Irishman who's is currently on a 4-1 run.

The latest Cage Warriors 53 card includes:
Jim Alers vs. Joni Salovaara - for vacant featherweight title
Joanne Calderwood vs. Sally Krumdiack
Mats Nilsson vs. Chris Scott
Jason Ball vs. Jason Cooledge
Paul Marin vs. Neil Seery
James Doolan vs. James Pennington

For More on Cage Warriors 53, stay tune to the Calendar section on our site.

Cage Warriors 53: Alers vs Salovaara (Fight Card)

Cage Warriors 53
Date: April 13, 2013
Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Scotland

Fight Card
Jim Alers vs Joni Salovaara - For the vacant Cage Warriors Featherweight Title
Joanne Calderwood vs Sally Krumdiack
Mats Nilsson vs Chris Scott
Jason Ball vs Jason Cooledge
James Doolan vs James Pennington
Rich Edgeworth vs Jean N'Doye
Mark Connor vs Joe Laurence