Issue 139
March 2016
Joining Invicta Fighting Championships may have come as a surprise to Amanda Paris, but she’s now a fully-fledged MMA aficionado.
Q: How did you start carrying cards for Invicta FC?
A: I had done some modeling for Fight Chix Apparel and received a call one day from the owner, Elisabeth Nuessar. Invicta had an event that weekend and one of their Phoenix Girls had been taken ill and they needed someone to fill in. Fortunately I was available. I instantly bonded with the Invicta family. I was super excited when owner Shannon Knapp said she would like to continue to use me for future fights. There’s no better company to work for.
Q: Were you a big MMA fan before becoming part of the Invicta set up?
A: Honestly, I liked MMA but I didn’t follow it much. But after attending my first event I was so impressed with the talent in women’s MMA and what Shannon (Knapp, Invicta president) has done for these athletes, I instantly became a huge fan. It’s so intense but that’s what makes the sport so unique.
Q: And the fans love you too which helps, right?
A: The fans are awesome. If you haven’t been to a live Invicta event you won’t know but, yeah for sure. When fans are showing love and getting behind athletes it’s always good to see. It’s what the sport needs.
Q: Apart from being an all female line up, what makes an Invicta night so special?
A: The fighters tend to be hungrier and eager to prove themselves so the majority of the fights are very exciting. The staff is like a family and you can feel that positive energy fueling the atmosphere during the events. Oh, and of course, the ringcard girls. I would argue we are some of the best.
Q: What’s the hardest part about being a ringcard girl?
A: Making sure you don’t trip over the camera cords or fall off the walkway, all while keeping eye contact with the crowd and smiling like it’s all a piece of cake. The best part about being a ring girl is meeting all the fans and watching the fights up close.
Q: For budding ringcard girls out there, do you have any tips for staying in shape?
A: Being consistent is key. I try to maintain a healthy, clean diet 90% of the time. I enjoy my pizza and frozen yogurt every now and then but it’s all in moderation. You can’t deprive yourself because you will just end up falling off. Find a program that works for you and a realistic regimen you can stick too. I work out five times a week, even when I’m traveling. There are days when I’m busy or exhausted, but I always find I regret it when I skip, but never when I just get it done.
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