Amanda Bobby Cooper is a 23-year-old professional mixed martial artist and boxer, training out of the Scorpion Fighting System Team in Michigan. She recently met with Last Word on Sports’ Stephanie Schneider to talk about her career and future aspirations.
Stephanie Schneider: Amanda can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background?
Amanda Cooper: My name is Amanda Bobby Cooper but most people refer to me as ABC. I am 23 years old, I live in Fowlerville, MI. I started boxing 12 years ago and took my first cage fight in 2010. I went 8-3 as an amateur in MMA. In 2014 I had my professional debut. My current record is 1-0 in pro MMA and 2-1 in pro boxing.
SS: You started boxing at 13, is this correct? What made you start?
ABC: I actually had my first boxing fight at age 11. I started boxing because my Dad was a former boxer and my two older sisters started boxing which got me interested so I started tagging along with them to the gym.
SS: What originally made you want to do MMA?
ABC: When I signed up for my first MMA fight I didn’t have the idea to make it a career. I wasn’t even sure if I would fight a second time. I simply just wanted to test my boxing skills in an actual fight. After that fight I knew I was hooked.
SS: What martial arts do you now study since becoming an MMA fighter?
ABC: I will study any type of martial arts that I believe will make me a better fighter. I train a lot of wrestling and Muay Thai but my favorite is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
SS: How long have you been fighting, amateur and professional?
ABC: I have been training MMA since 2010. I had 3 amateur fights before going to my first MMA class, until my first loss I had only trained in boxing.
SS: Who is your biggest inspiration?
ABC: My biggest inspiration is probably all the people I train with at the gym. I love the focus they put into every workout. They remind me of when I first started and it continues to inspire me. Every day they come in with a smile on their face and an open mind. I am very inspired by their hard work, their willingness to get beat and still continue.
SS: Which gym are you currently training at?
ABC: I am currently training with Team SFS (Scorpion Fighting System), I have been training with them for 4 years now.
SS: Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to the ground?
ABC: I don’t have a preference because I feel like I am a well versed martial artist. I game plan for the weakness of my opponent, that determines whether I will stand up or take them to the ground.
SS: Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
ABC: I see myself as a top threat in the 125lbs division. I hope to fight for the Invicta 125lb title within the next few years.
SS: What are some of the challenges you have faced since deciding to become a fighter?
ABC: Being a fighter is obviously a physically challenging sport but it is definitely more mentally challenging. Every day we step into the gym we get beat and tapped out over and over again. We have to willingly admit that we got beat and learn from it. It’s a mentally wearing game, that’s the biggest challenge that I face.
SS: Who or what is next for you?
ABC: Last fall I had ACL surgery, I am just now starting to get back to 100%. I am currently looking for my next fight in order to shake off the rust.
SS: Amanda, thank you so much for taking time away from your training to have a sit-down with me. I sincerely wish you continued success in your MMA career, as well as staying healthy. Is there anything else you would like to add?
ABC: Thank you for sitting down with me, I am always thankful when someone takes the time to talk to me, I am here for the fans.
I would like to thank all of my sponsors: Bite Me Mouth guards, Dragon Do, Slept Fight Wear, The Ford National UAW, Steel Tattoo, Fighter Alias, MMA Road hog. I also would like to thank all of my coaches: James Gray, Chris Vish, Brain Fornasiero, Steve Wedekemper, and Tim Far and Last but not least Jay General with Fresh Start Entertainment he always has my back.
