ADFC's female fighters | Time Out Abu Dhabi

Feeling bloodthirsty? Got a bit of pent-up aggression? Want to pump your fist in the air and yell violently? There’s only one answer – book yourself a ticket for round three of the Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship. As the capital’s throng of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fans knows, the ADFC competition has been gaining momentum over the past year: with each round the stakes have been getting higher, the fights more brutal, the hooks harder, the choke holds more devastating. This final round, headlined by heavyweights Marcos Oliveira and Shamil Abdurahimov is set to be an explosive night, especially as they’re battling for a Dhs1 million prize. But the fight card will have one major difference this time – the lineup features female competitors, with Outi Louhimo from Finland going head to head with Dutch fighter Titana Van Polanen. We caught up with Outi to hear how she’s preparing for the first official female fight ever to take place in the Middle East.

How is the training going for the fight then? Are you pumped?
When I heard there was a possibility to fight for ADFC, I was very excited and thought it was a great opportunity. Of course I’ve been training hard and am very disciplined. I’ve learnt a lot of new skills and I’m so excited about the fight. My last fight was one year ago, and now I’m very motivated and hungry for action.

What’s been your proudest moment as an MMA fighter?
When I won my first MMA fight. I had only been training in MMA for a short time and was very nervous. It was so wonderful and I had such a relieved feeling afterwards.

How do you psyche yourself up before a brawl?
I focus on the fight. I try to keep my mind calm. And I just enjoy the feeling, because it’s the one thing that I want to do – fight!

Ever been seriously wounded in the ring?
I haven’t had any really bad injuries, but I did have my nose broken once.

What’s the biggest challenge about being a female fighter?
For women, it is challenging to find good sparring partners. I spar a lot with men and they are stronger, which has a definitive role – especially in wrestling because it makes it a little bit more challenging. But that’s just a positive problem. The biggest challenge, I think, is that it’s not so easy to actually get fights.

Do you think there is any difference about the way men and women fight?
I don’t think it’s different. To me there is no difference at all.

How did you first get into MMA?
I’ve always been interested in MMA. When I used to train and fight using kickboxing and Muay-Thai, I used to always think I would be training in MMA someday. Then a few years ago I decided to start training MMA properly and within a short time, I felt like I was ready to fight.

Do you have a fighting philosophy?
Yes: Vince Lombardi said, ‘Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.’

So what are your chances of winning this fight then?
I’m smaller but stronger, faster and better. Winning is the only option.
ADFC Round 3, March 11. Doors open 6pm; Show starts 7.30pm. Zayed Sports City, International Tennis Complex. Tickets are Dhs150-1,200 and can be purchased from www.timeouttickets.com.