10 Questions With Jennifer Babcock (2/6/2009)

[DarrickPatrick]

10 Questions With Jennifer Babcock (by Darrick Patrick)

Jennifer Babcock is a professional mixed martial artist who has appeared in organizations such as Rage In The Cage, Xtreme Fighting Championships, Fatal Femmes Fighting, and HOOKnSHOOT. At the time of this interview, her next scheduled match is against Jennifer Tate at Wargods/Ken Shamrock Productions: The Valentine's Eve Massacre on February 13th, 2009.

Darrick: What was the road that led you to competing professionally in mixed martial arts?

Jennifer: I'm always asked this and it was all in the sake of love. I originally just started kickboxing to lose the baby weight I'd picked up after my second child. My husband now was the instructor and I instantly fell head over heels for him and just wanted to impress him. He was kickboxing but then decided to turn to MMA, so I followed after a slight nudge from him. (Smiles) I was interested in boxing at the time, but he thought I should work on all aspects of fighting. I would not be where I am today in my career if he wasn't there giving me the confidence and drive. He is literally my backbone in MMA. When others thought that I wasn't going to make it, he supported me in every way.

Darrick: Your next scheduled fight is against Jennifer Tate on February 13th. What are your thoughts about this upcoming match?

Jennifer: She is a very good opponent and a good move for my career. I love to push myself to the limits testing my abilities and I know she will help me do just that. I look forward to every fight I get the opportunity to have. Every fight is a new test, learning experience, and tells me a little more about myself. I bleed and sweat in the gym so that I am prepared in the cage. Practices are made to break us so that we don't break in fights. I am ready - mentally and physically.

Darrick: Who are a few of the people in the sport that you highly respect?

Jennifer: Wow, that is a very tough question. I have the utmost respect for any fighter, pro or amateur, that has the courage to step into the cage/ring regardless of their background. To name a few though I'll start with my husband Roy Babcock just because he is my backbone in this sport and supports me one hundred percent. Sam Wilson is the fuckin' bomb - she has the same beliefs as I do and never asks for anything in return, just pay it forward. Julie Kedzie for all the work she put in to help me get ready. I have idolized her from the beginning of her career and she seems to get lost in the shuffle sometimes. She really is a positive influence all the way around. Michelle Waterson may be little and cute, but she is a complete fighter and is always willing to step up and help out no matter what. Last but not least, Tonya Evinger does awesome just being her. She is a well-rounded athlete and will soon be at the top.

Darrick: Any words of advice for other individuals looking to train in MMA?

Jennifer: I would honestly let them know that it takes a lot of time and dedication. It's almost a selfish sport, but it has so much gratification. It truly tests and pushes you to the extreme mental and physical limits. It is a sport you have to truly love and give one hundred percent to.

Darrick: Do you feel as if there are any extra hurdles being a female in mixed martial arts or do you believe it to be basically the same struggle for both genders?

Jennifer: I think there are still some close-minded people out there who don't think it's something for women to do, but that's okay. We are slowly rising as athletes, so they will soon come to reality. (Smiles) Otherwise, it's still the same hurdles such as training, dieting, cutting weight, and becoming known for your art. All fighters are mentally stressed and tested.

Darrick: What brings you the most fulfillment out of martial arts?

Jennifer: When I hear my husband or kids tell me they are proud of what I'm doing. Also, just the fact that I'm out there having fun.

Darrick: Outside of MMA, what are your other interests?

Jennifer: I'm pretty boring - other than training I love being with my husband and children, even if we are just hanging out at the house, I'm good. I like eating a lot, watching movies, playing Tetris, and shopping at thrift stores. Gotta' like good bargains!

Darrick: What moments in your life have you been proudest of so far?

Jennifer: Having my kids, my wedding day, winning my amateur title, and being a successful pro athlete.

Darrick: Tell us something about you that most people don't know.

Jennifer: I'm a little OCD - I have to have things exactly a certain way or it irritates me. Also, Pepsi is my drug. I'm obsessed with the stuff, I just need one a day. (Laughs)

Darrick: What is your oldest memory?

Jennifer: When I was two or three, we were visiting my cousins in California and my mom told me that if I could get my baby cousin to stop crying I can have a popsicle. So by god, I was going to get one. She kept screaming, so I grabbed a big pink comb and told her to stop or I would hit her. She continued, so I smacked her and made it worse. I didn't get my popsicle either.

FOR OTHER EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS BY DARRICK PATRICK:

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=4974388&blogID=343519835

You can also check out Jennifer Babcock in the following places:

Official Jennifer Babcock MySpace Profile:

http://www.myspace.com/jennbabcock

Jennifer Babcock on Fight Finder:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jen-Babcock-26254