HARDBODY Fit Female News & Events

I have a feeling you’ll be seeing more supplement companies looking to tap into the success of the MMA world. Champion Nutrition takes a bold step by teaming up with TapouT, one which no other supplement line has done to date.

Good move? Only time will tell but if you were going to partner with a successful brand in MMA, TapouT is a logical choice. You’re sure to see a TapouT shirt or hat at any bodybuilding/fitness event and go to a MMA event you can’t blink without seeing the logo.

GRAND TERRACE, Calif., Apr 28, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — TapouT, the premier mixed-martial arts apparel, gear and lifestyle brand, announced today a licensing agreement with Champion Nutrition to offer sports enthusiasts TapouT Sports Nutrition products. Under this relationship, Champion Nutrition will design, distribute and market the Tapout Sports Nutrition brand to all retailers in the United States and abroad. TapouT Sports Nutrition products will be available in mass-market retailers beginning this summer.

– Read the Full Press Release Here.

Female MMA Fighters are few and far between. When the women do get their chance to shine in the MMA scene, all eyes are on them. Lately, it has become a reoccurring theme with the women missing weight. Yes, the men miss weight and an issue with them as well. My two cents, professional fighters need to be exactly that, professionals and make weight. It’s disrespectful to the opponent and the fans.

That said, one thing struck me as odd in this latest failed weight match-up. professional and make the weight. Take a look at this photo and guess which woman missed weight by 6 lbs?

Hitomi Akano and Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos square off.

The woman on the right, “Cyborg” is the one who missed the weight and as you can see it’s not from being out of shape. She’s ripped and has veins going through her abs. Clearly she is taller and carrying some muscle. I’ll keep an eye on the interviews to hear what she did or didn’t do to prepare diet/nutrition wise for this fight. Certainly can’t criticize the way her physique looks. Props for the photo and see more on MMAjunkie.com. The two women are set to square off tomorrow night on SHOWTIME.

Charles “Mask” Lewis was one of the founders of the popular MMA clothing line, TapouT. The video below is the last interview he did before passing away. Charles died yesterday morning in a car crash. I’m posting this video here because he shares some very inspiring words about chasing your vision and dream. One sentence really stands out to me is, “I like being a team player to the sport and to the fighters.” Think about that…Are you a team player to the fitness industry or have you fallen into the “me-me-me” mentality?

He’s a perfect example of despite being a colorful character and a little wacky at times, when you peel all of that away he was just following his dream. RIP Charles.

Ali Sonoma will participate in the first Arnold Bikini Division.

San Diego’s Ali Sonoma is a perfect example of what the new bikini division brings to the table. Striking good looks, toned physique but not overly muscular. She works out, eats right and has aspirations of making a difference in the world of fitness. I had a chance to chat with Ali as she heads into her first competition. What made this former UFC ring girl enter the Arnold Bikini competition? Find out the answers to this as well as what it’s like dating one of the top UFC fighters below.

You currently live in Cali but where did you grow up?
St. Louis, MO

How many NPC competitions have you competed in?
The Arnold Classic next week will be my very first one! I’m very excited!

What made you decide to compete in the Arnold Bikini Competition?
I was at Mr. Olympia last year and was really amazed at how the competitors looked. I saw the figure women on stage and was just in awe. I said to myself, I would love to do that someday, it would be such a rewarding self challenge to get your body at it’s best. So I went for it. I found a great trainer, (Kim Oddo), and he told me about the new bikini division. I started training immediately.

What are your competitions goals this year?
I would love to get my pro card, become a spokemodel for a few supplement /nutrition companies and continue to look and feel my best.

You mentioned you enlisted the help of Kim Oddo with your diet/nutrition, how has that experience so far?
I couldn’t have done it without Kim! I wouldn’t have a clue where to begin without a professional, especially one of the best in the business. He laid out everything-my diet, supplements, times I should eat, portion control, lifting schedule, etc.

I read somewhere that you like to fish and shoot guns, is that true?
Ha ha, sure is! I’m from Missouri so I’m naturally a country girl at heart and I’m not afraid to get a little dirty.

Some people may not know but you were a ring girl for the UFC. What was that experience like?
It was a great experience for me. I was with them for a year and traveled to many places. I am still a huge fan of the fights and always will be.

Do you get nervous thinking about the competition or is it a walk in the park for you now?
I might be a little nervous considering it’s my first one, but I think I’ll be more excited than anything.

Do you weight train?
Yes.

What a bikini competitor that works out? Get out. What type of training do you follow?
I weight train just about everyday. I alternate upper and lower body. I do light-med weight, high reps, at high intensity. I love lifting, so much more than cardio!

Do you work out solo or with a training partner?
I work out solo and I take it very seriously. I go to the gym to train, sweat, and work hard. I don’t like any distractions.

How is it dating a UFC fighter (Ali is dating UFC Fighter Diego Sanchez)… Does he help motivate you in the gym or can be a distraction while preparing for your own show?
Diego Sanchez is not just a UFC fighter, he’s so much more. He’s my very best friend and I have learned so much from him since being with him. He’s very knowledgeable in nutrition, training, diet, meditation, recovery, supplements, I could go on and on. I started eating all organic food because of him, and started taking up better habits like cutting aspartame, anything artificial, anything processed, etc. It’s a plus being with him because he helps to train and motivate me-yesterday we did sprints until our legs were about to fall off. ha ha! He believes in me and I in him. I am always the loudest, craziest one at his fights and he’ll be right there watching me on stage as my number 1 fan.

A number of women have taken up MMA classes are you one of them or leave that to Diego?
I love kickboxing and would love to someday take up Muy Thai and Jui-Jitzsu. I love to feel strong.

What do you plan on eating after the competition - birthday cake? (Ali’s Birthday falls on the Arnold Classic Weekend)
Ha ha, YES! Chocolate and some red wine! It’s been so long!

What advice do you have for women out there thinking of doing their first competition?
Get a great trainer! You get what you pay for.

If people want to find out more info about you where should they go?
My myspace page is the best way to contact me www.myspace.com/alisonoma

Any one you want to thank or give a shout out to?
First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me in so many ways-all the glory goes to him, the Creator. I would also like to thank Kim Oddo, my family, fans and the love of my life Diego.

Thanks Ali and best of luck in Columbus.
Thank you.

The Arnold Bikini competition will take place in Columbus, Ohio on Thurday, March 6th. Competition starts at 7pm.

Top NPC competitor and rising fitness model star, Monique “MoMo” Minton was spotted on the UFC web site. Ok, so it was a banner ad for the new Girls of BSN calendar but don’t under estimate MoMo’s fighting skills. She’s been taking up MMA training lately and tells me it’s an awesome workout. Monique will be at the Arnold Classic next weekend working the BSN booth. Stop by and say hello but don’t question the toughness behind the pretty face or you may find yourself getting choked out.

Monique represent’n on the UFC Web site.

Check out the video with MMA bad ass and American Gladiator, Gina Carano. It’s not the newest piece but still worth checking out.

American Gladiator and top MMA Female athlete Gina Carano appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Pepsi. Props to her and her management team for landing the gig. Her stock continues to go up as a female athlete.

I’m in Las Vegas for UFC 94 and have yet to meet a woman who doesn’t drool over the mere mention of Georges St. Pierre. Gotta give the guy props, he carries himself in a very professional manner and is always in top shape. He could hold his own in a middleweight bodybuilding competition. Here’s a photo for all the GSP fans from yesterday’s weigh-in.

GSP on the scale in Las Vegas.

You can see more on Bodybuilding.com. Check out the fights tonight on Pay Per View.

The popularity of mixed martial arts continues to rise and it’s including more and more women. Women are not only watching the fights but also participating in them. I’ve talked to a number of women who are taking some form of MMA training and they love it. The MMA world definitely isn’t for every woman though. No, some women cringe and can’t stand watching MMA, much less participate.

Last Saturday, the lone Ring of Fire female bout was one of the best of the night. The two women fighting were better technical fighters than most of their male counterparts that night. I’m not sure if it was a better fight because the women appeared to have no over inflated egos to over-compensate for or because it isn’t what I’m used to seeing. It’s not every day you see two women beat the hell out of each other. The women I spoke to in attendance had varied opinions on the topic. Some were inspired and others were horrified.

What do you think… Should female mixed martial arts be embraced and promoted? An on-going discussion is whether there should be professional fighting for women. Is it something that has a place?

Where should women’s MMA go?

Should there be professional women's MMA?

• Yes
• No
• Don't Care

View Results

FOX News weighs in on the topic:

ESPN blogger Steve Cofield also offers up his opinion. The mere mention of it on FOX NEWS and ESPN, in any fashion, tells me that there is something to it.

This is a very special post for me. Why? I am pleased to say it is my first cover. No, it’s not me on the cover, which I’m sure we’re all thankful for, but rather a photo I took. I’ve had many other photos published over the years but to have your photo make the cover is a huge honor. Like many other things, you always remember your first.

It was also an honor to be part of this cover because it showcases UFC heavyweights, Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar. Their November 15th fight is being billed as the “Biggest fight in mixed martial arts history“. Pavell Ythjall photographed Randy and I photographed Brock for the cover as well as their training. It is with that, I’m ecstatic to provide a first look at the December 2008 issue of FLEX Magazine.

Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar square off in Vegas next week!

Those of you wondering what any of this has to do with fitness or figure, don’t fret. This isn’t a post just to toot my horn. FLEX magazine continues to feature the women and in this issue the featured profile is Mary Elizabeth Lado. Pavell Ythjall and FLEX were kind enough to provide “behind the scenes” photos from the shoot.

A look behind the scenes from the shoot.

Make up artist Rachel Hoke lends a hand on the shoot.

Mary Lado takes a break on the shoot.
Props to FLEX magazine for their continued support of the women in the industry. FLEX subscribers may have already received their copy of the magazine. Those looking for it on the newsstand should be able to find it next week.

Jennifer Gates signs with Pro Fight Supplements.

Jennifer Gates is already in elite company with the title of Ms. Olympia. She’s now part of a handful of females with an endorsement contract. Jennifer with the help of her manager, JM Manion, came to an agreement with Pro Fight Supplements last month. Jennifer will be with the company for the next two years with a deal that includes many perks often left for her male counterparts. Multiple companies expressed an interest in Jennifer but it were the little things that added up to be a big deal for the current champ. Jennifer tells me she is excited to be part of the company and they’ve treated her like a queen. She went on to say, “I’m looking forward to working with them and very thankful for the opportunity. It will definitely with competing from a financial standpoint.”

I caught up with one of the company owners, Abbas Moussaoui, at the Sacramento Pro where he told me a bit more about Pro Fight Supplements. They’ve been around for a number of years, primarily in the fighting world but look for them to have a stronger presence next year in the bodybuilding/fitness/figure community. Abbas tells me they have a number of products in their line and have been taking a steady approach to marketing their products. All too often we see companies come out larger than life and then disappear. The company understands how to treat athletes. His brother Moe El Moussaoui is a top ten Mr. Olympia competitor and the best bodybuilder in New Zealand. Moe and Abbas had a chance to see Jennifer interact with fans at the Meet The Olympians and were impressed with how she conducted herself. Look for them to start using Moe and Jennifer in their ads in 2009.

Jennifer’s first appearance with the company will be at the 2009 IRONMAN. Props to Pro Fights for signing a woman to their team. Congratulations Jenn.

Pauline Nordin has never been accused of being weak, mentally or physically. She’s now putting that mentality to good use in a kick ass new program called Fighter Diet. Her new blog describes the diet philosophy as:

My diet philosophy was not based upon what fighters in general keep in their diets. My philosophy has more to do with the mental outlook of professional fighters, the way they must push, push, push to the limit, face their fierce in the cage, persevere endless grueling workouts. And this while making weight needed for the battle in the ring… Fighters see beyond the moment being in order to persevere and win titles and belts. No instant satisfaction, only loyal and honest dedication will lead them to victory.

She’ll be blogging regularly on her site and will include videos as well. Check out the newest video of her knocking out a set on the incline bench:

Fans have most likely seen the last of the new American Gladiators, at least on TV in the United States. American Gladiator junkies can still get their fix with a new DVD. Now you can follow the workouts of a defunked cast. Doesn’t that sound like fun? The description of “American Gladiators Ultimate Workout” is almost as lame as the remake of the show.

NBC’s smash hit American Gladiators inspires fans with the power of ultimate physical fitness. Now these hard-core American Gladiators challenge you to step into the gauntlet for a full-on fat assault with three muscle-pumping, flab-eliminating workouts designed to transform your body from regular to ripped. Mix up these cutting-edge strength and cardio routines and you’ll never hit a wall. It’s time to get up, get fierce, and get fit!

Muscle Madness Strength 1: Power train with Titan, Phoenix, and Wolf for a super-strong, super-sleek physique using moves that tackle the quads, biceps, back, and abs.

Muscle Makeover Strength 2: Toa, Crush, and Jet prepare you for battle and the beach with muscle-molding moves that hit the triceps, chest, hamstrings, glutes, and abs.

Cardio Crusade: Follow the Gladiators into cardio combat and sideswipe those extra pounds with kickboxing, jacks, and explosive combinations.

Bonus: Enter the arena with Jet, Titan, and Wolf and challenge your body with the bonus Glute Gauntlet, Ab Quake, and Arm Assault routines!

Product Information
Studio: Lionsgate
Production Year: 2008
Release Date: 12/16/2008

Length: 89 mins
Rating: NR

It amusing that the folks who put this DVD together chose not to include any of the female competitors/Gladiators from the IFBB. The cover says “Eliminate Fat & Shape Muscle”. Wouldn’t it make sense to include people who know how to do this? Gina Carano aka Crush, while beautiful and a badass, has trouble making weight for her MMA fights. I’d sooner take workout advice from Richard Simmons than “follow the Gladiators into cardio combat”.

Now you too can be like a cancelled show!

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