The explosive growth in popularity of wrestling’s “sister sport”, mixed martial arts,
in recent years as both sport and fitness routine has proven to be highly attractive
to athletic females as well as men. One exciting young practitioner of MMA is the
woman known as Sammie the Bull (for reasons that become apparent as you read her story),
and LadySports is pleased to introduce her to fans worldwide!
THE STATS:
Height: Five feet, four inches
Weight: One hundred and fifteen pounds
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
LADYSPORTS: Welcome to LadySports, Sammie! Tell us, when did you first get into the sport?
SAMMIE the BULL: I started fighting in December of 2012 when I called out another girl with
whom I had worked to come to Freshfite and settle an issue. I loved it and stayed. It's not pro
wrestling per se, it's real shootfight catfight/grappling with MMA submissions with modified rules
to keep it safe and sane. Pro wrestlers who have crossed over to us love it.
LS: And who trained you?
SB: We have a wonderful sensei at Freshfite who was trained in mixed martial arts
by a woman. She taught him a unique way of training women to fight that improves on how men
traditionally train them.
LS: What was your biggest influence to become a wrestler?
SB: I have always liked physical, rough sports. And I watched women's UFC and pro
wrestling with my dad. My favorite fighter has always been Holly Holm, long before she fought Ronda.
But I never expected to be a fighter until I learned about Freshfite Female Fighting.
LS: What other sports do you have an interest in?
SB: I did cross country and softball, and like baseball and hockey. I also rode
bulls for 6 months.
LS: How would you describe yourself in terms of attitude, personality, likes,
dislikes, and strengths?
SB: I love to compete, but the occasional loss to me is just something to learn from.
I think I am pretty centered and patient as a fighter. I dislike arrogant girls who think they are
"all that," and I like to put them in their place in a fight. And any girl who disrespects
Freshfite or one of our fighters has to deal with me.
LS: Describe a typical day of training for you. What is most important in your workout?
SB: My primary workout involves yoga. I am incredibly flexible, which really helps me
on the mat. I also use it for strength training. So I am not very traditional.
I also run and hit the bag.
LS: How would you best describe your ring style?
SB: Aggressive yet patient. I love to fight rough, the rougher the better.
LS: What moves are you best known for?
SB: My judo throws have gotten really good. I do a lot of inverted mount leg
triangles, arm triangle smothers, arm bars, and americana/key locks.
LS: Have you ever been injured in the ring?
SB: One girl, Paisley Pain, broke my nose in when she repeatedly palm struck my
face in a grappling catfight. But it stayed in place and I kept fighting. And a year later
I got my revenge. I also was slammed on my left shoulder by Tia Elizabeth and was out for a
few weeks.
LS: Who have been your toughest opponents?
SB: The toughest Freshfiter is Tia. Kaos took me apart too. Santana Garrett,
Shanna and Crazy Mary Dobson were intense fights.
LS: What has been your most memorable win?
SB: Beating Santana Garrett for the Freshfite Indoctrination Title, and then beating
Shanna to win the wrap up Gauntlet. Also winning medals at the North American Grappling tournaments
the past two years.
LS: What was your worst loss?
SB: Tia took me apart in a grappling match, but I did get one rear naked choke out
on her. I am one of only two girls to ever make Tia tap out.
LS: Who is the one wrestler you would most like to face in the ring, but haven't yet?
SB: A lot of pro wrestlers are now crossing over to come do the Freshfite real grappling
shootfight style. There are a number who have shown interest, like Thunder Rosa, Ivelisse,
Violet Payne, Miss Sara Jay. I'd love to fight them all.
LS: What type of match do you enjoy the most?
SB: I love all styles, from our quasi-cage fight style with MMA glove punching and
kicking, to our standard grappling shoot fight catfight style. All real, nothing choreographed.
I love a rough, intense fight that tests me.
LS: What is so special about this sport to you?
SB: The incredible workout for my body and mind, and how I have learned these
incredible fighting skills.
LS: Tell us, what are your fans like?
SB: My fans are awesome. They are so supportive and encouraging, and are always
blown away by my fights.
LS: If you had the power, what one thing would you do to improve the sport?
SB: I would want to see promoters do less to sexualize and exploit the women,
and focus more on their athleticism.
LS: Where have you wrestled, and have you held any titles yet?
SB: I fight for Freshfite Female Fighting out of Cincinnati, Ohio. I have been
the Lightweight and the Welterweight Title holder since 2013.
LS: What was your most unforgettable moment in the sport?
SB: Defeating Shanna and Santana Garrett to win the Freshfite Indoctrination Title
in real Freshfite style catfight shootfight grappling.
LS: What would you do if you couldn't be in wrestling?
SB: I have always wanted to be a stuntwoman!
LS: If you were only able to wrestle one more match in your career, who would you
most like to face?
SB: I would love to fight Shanna again in a one hour, most tap outs wins, no holds
barred match. And then Crazy Mary.
LS: What is your personal motto?
SB: Chill out and enjoy the ride!
LS: What would make you most happy in life?
SB: World peace. LOL. Being able to help people become more spiritual and
self-actualized.
LS: Thanks so much for speaking with us! Any last words you’d care to share?
SB: Thanks for supporting Freshfite and our unique approach to the female
wrestling/fighting world, and keep it up! You can visit Freshfite here.
(Photos courtesy of Sammie the Bull)