Jessica Aguilar is the current WSOF Women’s Strawweight Champion. She is the #1 ranked female Strawweight according to the Unified Women’s MMA Rankings. Aguilar is a fierce competitor who has faced many hardships along her journey, only to overcome them and become a world champ. Click here to read her entire story.
Aguilar will be facing Kalindra Faria in her second title defense at WSOF 15 on November 15 2014.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Jessica and talk with her about her training camp, her upcoming fight, and the things in life besides fighting that she is passionate about.
Aaron Robbins: Jessica, thank you for talking with me today. How is the training camp going?
Jessica Aguilar: “Training is going well Aaron; I’m down at American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida. It’s like Disney World for MMA. It’s our castle, and the training is awesome. It’s top level. My body feels good, and I’m getting better all the time. The camp is going well, thank you.”
AR: Any bumps and bruises?
JA: “The bumps and bruises are always there, they are like our flowers, and they are always around. Without the bumps and bruises you’re not learning, right? I don’t have any real injuries though.”
AR: That’s good to hear. Tell us what you know about Kalindra Faria and what you think about your title defense.
JA: “Kalindra Faria is from Brazil, she is an aggressive striker and she has some ground skills as well. She is on an 11 fight winning streak. She is doing very well, and I’m excited to challenge myself again. Faria is ranked #8 in the world, so I’m excited to fight her. I’m looking forward to November 15th.”
AR: Since Faria is primarily a striker, do you have training partners mimic that style?
JA: “I have multiple training partners and ATT, and I have a few that have been mimicking her style to prepare me. All of my training partners are influential in getting me ready for my defense. They push me to do my best. My coaches are amazing. I have the best teammates in the world. They help me continue being the best in the world, so I’m happy.”
AR: You are one of the best, there is no doubt. How does it feel to hold the title in the WSOF?
JA: “I’m very grateful for the opportunities that they have given me. WSOF has allowed me to live my dream; I do what I love to do for a living. It is a young organization, but it is growing very quickly. I believe WSOF will continue getting better and I’m going to grow right along with them. I’m just going to keep living the dream.”
AR: You mention living your dream. How did MMA become such a focal point in your life?
JA: “I’ve always been very passionate about sports. I found this sport at the age of 26, and I found that I was good at it. It was a challenge for me, so I continued training and after I turned pro I set a goal to be one of the best in the world. MMA was the only sport where I had the opportunity to be a professional, so I did it! Now I get to use this platform to do things for the community and give back. I try to tell my story and inspire the youth, or anyone who has a dream they are trying to attain.”
AR: With WMMA becoming more mainstream and legitimate, does it bother you than fans still seem to objectify the women participating in the sport?
JA: “No I don’t really pay attention to that. Sex appeal is going to sell, whether it’s sports or clothing or even advertising a car with a woman on it. Sex sells, but I really don’t pay attention to it. Time will show what kind of fighter they really are whether they are pretty or not. If a woman has true talent, you’ll see that. I just focus on who has skills inside the cage. It’s going to be a trend in just about anything, that’s society for ya. It doesn’t matter if you’re ugly or pretty, after a while, if you have true skill that’s what will set you apart.”
AR: What are you passionate about besides fighting?
JA: “I stay very busy in my community. I visit the youth hospital here in south Florida. I bring them books when I visit. I’m part of the Pride Center here; the LGBT center here. I represent them and do whatever I can to help them. I try to help with breast cancer awareness. I am also an ambassador of GLAD; they are the largest LGBT organization. One of my sponsors is TommieCopper, and I work with them on the Tommie Cares Foundation. I’m very passionate about giving back because everybody needs a hand. Everybody starts from where I started. I was fortunate to have people help me and guide me, so I like to be able to give that back. I like to make people feel better, and put a smile on the kid’s faces. Just giving back, I love to do that.”
AR: That’s amazing; you are a wonderful ambassador for the sport. What would be your advice to any young women who are thinking of getting into MMA?
JA: “It’s very simple and very easy advice. Believe in yourself, find a good camp, and train hard. Focus on your goals, and make it happen. Make your dreams come true.”
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