Jordan Nicole ‘Ninja Princess’ Gaza said on Jan. 29 in an exclusive interview with Long Island MMA Examiner Eric Holden that she’s comfortable turning her Feb. 1 XFL fight against Kathina Catron into a standup slugfest, but she also wouldn’t mind mixing it up on the mat.
Gaza, a 20-year-old strawweight, is poised to let the chips fall as they may as long as she walks away with her hand raised.
Gaza has been busy training hard for her fight against Catron, but she generously took out a few minutes of her time to weigh in on some of the most controversial topics in mixed martial arts. Here’s what she had to say:
Q. You might be the only current MMA fighter who has braces. Does it affect your approach at all? Are you afraid it might cut your mouth if you get punched in the face during a fight?
Gaza: As far as training goes, it’s pretty much the same as before besides having to wear a different mouthpiece. My new mouthpiece isn’t as cute as the one I used to wear (laughs). My Feb. 1 bout will be my first time in an actual fight while wearing braces, so we’ll see.
Q. Most MMA promotions have ring girls. Do you think one of them should change it up by having ring boys? Maybe a dude in a speedo, or perhaps a guy in a classy suit?
Gaza: No! I think that would be just plain weird. I don’t pay attention to them anyways during a fight, Channing Tatum could be holding a ring card for all I know. I think ring girls are more for the crowd.
Q. Invicta FC 4 featured several memorable wardrobe malfunctions. Leslie Smith famously had a nip slip, and Alexis Davis’ thong popped out. Do you do anything special to prevent a wardrobe malfunction from happening in one of your fights?
Gaza: I usually wear two bras to prevent my little boobs from slipping out. As far as my shorts or skirt, I just take the risk. Nothing has happened yet! Knock on wood.
Q. Invicta’s Ediane Gomes once fought a man in Brazil. Do you think there will ever come a time when it won’t be taboo for men and women to fight each other in the cage?
Gaza: Ah! I pray to God there will never come to a time like that.
Q. Female MMA stars like Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano both posed nude for ESPN the Magazine. You seem to be following in their footsteps by using sex appeal to enhance your career. Would you ever consider posing nude?
Gaza: Plenty of female MMA fighters use sex appeal to enhance their careers. I’m just a confident person though, so it doesn’t phase me. If the time and the money was right then yes I would consider posing nude.
Q. Invicta’s Bec Hyatt said she saw a few fighters pee themselves after getting knocked out, and she fears it happening to her. Is that something you think about at all? Do most fighters actually fear that happening?
Gaza: Oh my gosh I didn’t even know that happened. Well now that you put that in my mind maybe I will fear that! Thanks!! Hah.
Q. You have a fight coming up against Kathina Catron. In the past, you stated that you’re more comfortable when you take fights to the mat and gain top position. How do you see this fight playing out?
Gaza: Honestly for this fight whatever happens happens. I’m confident standing, on the ground, against the cage, on top, on bottom, upside down, whatever! I’m just ready for a battle that ends with my hand being raised!
Q. As far as I know, you and Rachel Wray are the only two cheerleaders-turned-MMA stars currently fighting today. I was wondering if she is a role model of yours at all.
Gaza: I actually just recently heard about her on Twitter like the other day. I think that it’s awesome that she fights!
Q. Where can MMA fans check you out online?
Gaza: Check me out on Twitter @jngaza92, or my official website, www.jordangaza.com. I also have a Facebook fan page.
