Having made her professional debut in January of 2014, Summer Bradshaw is one of mixed martial arts’ rising stars. A recent win over Brenda Rodriguez at the Budweiser Events Center’s Fight for the Troops, made it back to back victories and leaves the fighter looking forward to greater opportunities in the future.
Summer recently spoke with our MMA Contributor Stephanie Schneider to discuss her last fight, and what her future holds in store.
Stephanie Schneider: We know you said you were not going to go out and bulldog how you normally fight, what bought about your decision to take this fight in a different direction?
Summer Bradshaw: Because I have many skills you all have not seen and I’m getting really excited to show you all.
SS: There was a lot of clinch work, was this more of her doing and you rolling with it or did your game plan change?
SB: She actually came in and tried to bulldog me, so yes the clinch work was more to stay in control of the situation because yes the game changed from where I thought it would go.
SS: Did her size create any problems for you?
SB: Her size was never a factor for me.
SS: You were in some very good positions on the ground and did a lot of ground and pound, did you want to submit her or just inflict damage?
SB: I started to work a submission, but then realized if I did that the fight would be over and honestly I wanted to work a few more things before it was done. Sometimes for me, fights come so far in between it’s more important to work while I’m there.
SS: You were dominant against the cage and on the ground, is this something you trained for in this camp?
SB: You know honestly that has always come very natural to me. I didn’t train any cage work through this camp.
SS: I know you wanted to showcase your improved boxing skills, we saw a little of that in the 2nd round. What do you think was the reason that you couldn’t really disengage and lay hands on her?
SB: She rushed me which I really didn’t think she was going to do. So yes, the game changed, my main goal was to control the fight.
SS: Despite not getting to showcase your boxing as much as you would have liked, how did getting the TKO stoppage feel?
SB: It’s not the first one and it won’t be the last. Honestly I plan on ending every fight before the judge has a say so. This is my goal. If I leave it in their hands, I have already failed in my own mind. So I am satisfied with how it ended.
SS: You looked amazing, you were in total control the entire fight, was there anything in this camp that you did differently?
SB: Every fight camp lately seems to be completely different from the last. I have to operate around my kid’s schedules which always changes everything for me, but I make do and it’s working for me.
SS: Any areas of improvement that were obvious to you once inside of the cage?
SB: I always see room for improvement. That is why I love this sport. There is no end to being better than you were before. So yes I felt a couple things that have improved, and I guarantee you I will be 10 times better in July.
SS: Summer, you know I have to ask, what did your girls say and think of your performance?
SB: They are always happy with the wins but this time they heard one of their friends had made it to watch. My youngest is wanting to go to the next one. She was a little upset she wasn’t there too.
SS: You are clearly on a mission, this last performance should have put this division on notice. You were dominant on the feet and the ground, how do you feel about your performance?
SB: I am happy with my performance although I feel like it could have been better.
SS: What would you like to continue to improve?
SB: Speed always, and distance control.
SS: What is next for “The Critter?”
SB: July 18th in Castle Rock, Co for Sparta Combat League.
SS: Congratulations again on your 3rd round TKO, it was well deserved. I look forward to your next fight, good luck.
SB: I would like to give Thanks to God, all of my family close and distant. My other family/Fresh Start Entertainment. Donnie Lyles and Tori Adams, Syntha Bag, Bad Apple Armor, Sports Food Inc., Iron Jaw, Unique Kennels, The Arena, S.W.E.A.T. Ltd., Bluprint yoga, xionx.us, and Mac with Phoenix Therapies. Most of all I need to thank the fans and people of Women’s Mixed Martial Arts.
