Name: Damaris Waldner
Current location: Sioux Falls, SD
Gym you are fighting out of: Next Edge Academy of Martial Arts
Weight class are you fighting at: Strawweight 115 lbs
This is your first fight after a win in your debut; tell us what it is like heading into this fight?
I feel I trained even harder for this fight and had a great, solid camp. Now I know the pace of fighting in the cage, and I feel ready and prepared.
What do you know about your opponent?
I believe she is 0-0, so I don’t know a whole lot about her.
What are your strengths?
I feel pretty comfortable both standing or on the ground. So wherever the fight goes I feel pretty confident and prepared for everything.
What inspired you to be in MMA, and what drives you daily?
I’ve always been interested in martial arts, ever since I saw Ronda Rousey in a magazine when I was a little kid. I remember looking at it and thinking, “Wow, what a badass! This is what I want to do someday.” What drives me daily is I love hard work, and my amazing team and coaches around me. They inspire and encourage me to be a better fighter and person — that pushes and inspires me every single day.
Photo by Refractor Films
What are your future goals, both inside and outside of the gym?
Being a great fighter, and help make the world a better place. I also want to be an inspiration to little girls (and boys) and let them know that no matter the circumstances of where you are in your life, if you want something bad enough, be brave go after it!
Do you have any pre-fight superstitions/traditions?
Not really. I like to keep moving and training light during fight week just to stay loose and chill, and get in the zone.
Do you have an occupation outside of the MMA world?
I work part time as a server.
Who is your biggest supporter in the fight community?
I’d say all my coaches and teammates are my biggest supporters. We are each other’s biggest fans and we push each other every day. We want each other to be successful in whatever each individual wants to do.
I’d love to thank my coaches Bruce Hoyer, Robiel Tesfaldet and Ian Ricci, and all my amazing teammates at Next Edge. I want to thank them for their timeless effort and support. I’m truly blessed and thankful to be a part of such a great team.
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Fight to Finish 