“Dreams don’t have a deadline don’t give up when life gets hard keep working harder!”
Female mixed martial arts is on the rise all over the world and the UK is no different. Meet Britain’s youngest female MMA fighter, a K-1 kickboxing champ who won the UCMMA British Championship in her last outing. Her name is Lisa “Lights Out” McCallam.
Lisa first spoke with our MMA contributor Esmond Francis back in January 2014. At that time Esmond was impressed with the professionalism she displayed, especially at such a young age in the fight game. The two recently spoke again and discussed how her career had developed since then.
Esmond Francis: Hi Lisa tell me about your background, where did you grow up in North London?
Lisa McCallam: I’m born and raised on Montague Road Romany Gypsy Site with my family, based in North London Edmonton. We have a big family, my Mother is the youngest of 12. Life was never boring when you live on a site. Freedom with adventure and the company of loved ones was the best feeling.
EF: How would you describe yourself?
LM: I would describe myself as a very proud, powerful, motivated woman. I’m a big believer in you can make dreams a reality, “dreams don’t have deadlines”. Hard work and dedication make things happen. I would also describe myself as very strong not just physically but mentality. My lifestyle is not easy and if it was everyone would be doing it. I also believe I’m a beautiful Gypsy Queen.
EF: Tell me what have you been up to since your last fight for UCMMA?
LM: Since my last fight I’ve done a couple of photo shoots, also have an Italian documentary photographer following me in training, but over all I’ve just kept busy in training, working hard, I’ve kept hungry. After my victory winning the UCMMA title I found my happy place again. “My better place” (after leaving my previous training camps). The “Lord” by my side along with my family and my manager/Team mates I’m unstoppable, this is dangerous for these females fighters who come up against me.
I was right back in the gym after my title win, back on my grind. I achieved one of my goals that night which was to be the “UCMMA British Champion” but I have many more to achieve, such as being the “world’s greatest” and “UFC champion”.
EF: When are you scheduled to fight next?
LM: I’m scheduled to fight on May 30th in Essex at the “City Pavilion” against Claire “Psycho Eyes” Smith.
EF: Can you tell me a little about your opponent?
LM: I have much respect for Claire. She has a big heart and is a very talented fighter. I know this because I had a K-1 kickboxing fight with her a year ago which I won…
We became friends and have mutual respect for each other, I got the call to fight her In MMA and I happily accepted.
But on May 30th I will be professional put my friendship aside because I’m coming to destroy her game. I want the “best Claire Smith” she can be. I want her to feel perfect coming in to this fight. However, her perfect won’t be enough, I’m going for the finish like every fight.
EF: How is training going since you changed camp?
LM: When I left my last camp I felt heartbroken. I felt like I’ve come so far in my career at a young age and it was over. I had a bad year, I tried to stay strong but I was so hurt because I was so loyal to my last camp. That’s where I began training in MMA. I felt like I had nothing when I left, but I had to leave because that wasn’t the place for me anymore. So I felt hopeless and clueless as to what to do. However I started training at “Essex Fight Academy” and within a couple of weeks I was scheduled to fight Claire Smith in a K-1 title fight. I had no training really but Terry Wright helped me out and cornered me and I went on and won.
Never underestimate the power of the “Lord”. He put me at “Essex Fight Academy” for a reason. He put Alan Mortlock on my journey to Success. Alan Mortlock believed in me and he dedicated his time and effort to me and he became my manager. He helped to build me back up, new camp and career back up within less than a year under his wing. I walked on the biggest stage in Europe, UCMMA and won the British Title with a 1st round TKO “Lights Out” was back.
I look back and think “everything happens for a reason”. On reflection I’m actually glad the adversity happened because I have something better now, I have greatness. I train with the best MMA team in the UK, “Team Titan” under head coach Mickey Papas. I’m still at Essex Fight Academy. I train with the best boxing coach in the game Mel Mortlock. We Have a Dream Team lead by a great manager. Without the “Lord” and my family I wouldn’t be where I am now. They kept me strong when I felt like I had nothing, but I will always have everything because my family are my everything.
EF: You have lost a lot of weight since your last fight. Is this strategy or by-product of hard work?
LM: I had put on a lot of weight after I left my last camp but now I’m in my happy place again. I love the people around me. I love where I train and who I train with. I’m not here to make up numbers I’m here to take over. I’m working my arse off, I believe “I’m the world’s greatest. I will be number one in the world”. I’m taking over homies.
EF: You were the youngest MMA fighter in the UK and the first female champion for UCMMA what are your immediate goals?
LM: I’m just doing me. I’m going to work hard and carry on cutting weight. Win fights and take the MMA scene by storm. I’m coming for my UFC title.
EF: Have you had any contact from the UFC?
LM: Haha classified.
EF: What is your long-term vision for yourself and female MMA?
LM: My vision is that I will be UFC champion, and Female MMA will just become bigger and bigger.
EF: What would you like to do following your career as a fighter?
LM: At the present time with regards to fighting, that’s all on my mind, “being world’s greatest”. When my career comes to a end I will have my own gym, my own students and fighters. I have three younger brothers, Tom, Archie and baby Kevin. I believe they will carry on the “McCallam” name in the fight game and fly the Gypsy Flag. I will teach them what I know and they will have the best of training and coaches like I do.
EF: You are also British K-1 Kickboxing Champion, do you have any plans for defending that title?
LM: I haven’t had a K-1 fight in a year. MMA is my focus and I only would fight K-1 to stay busy. MMA is what I want to do.
EF: Which opponent would make a dream fight for you now?
LM: Anyone that has the UFC title. I want the UFC title and when I’m there I would fight anyone for it. I would fight Ronda (Rousey) tomorrow if I had to. I want my belt and I will take it from whoever has it when I make it to the UFC. I’m a professional fighter, a champion and that’s what I do, fight.
EF: What would you like to say to any new readers and existing fans reading this?
LM: Want to say thanks for everyone who follows me and believes in me, you really play a big part in my career. I love my fans. Also want to say without my family, my manager, my team and the “Lord” nothing would be possible.
Dreams don’t have a deadline. Don’t give up when life gets hard, keep working harder and believe in what you believe. The road to success may be ugly but it’s worth it in the end.
