Issue 052

July 2009

Lisa Ward is the reigning Fatal Femmes Fighting flyweight (105lb) champ and ranked as one of the top flyweight women in the world. 

To add to her list of accomplishments, she recently nabbed gold at the FILA World Grappling Championships. With 12 wins in 16 MMA fights, Ward is one serious competitor and will fight for the flyweight title in Japanese promotion DEEP in June.

Where are you right now?

Right now I’m in Lacey, Washington, at my gym the United Training Center, which I run with my fiancé. We’ve owned it for three years in November, and we’re in the middle of upgrading it from 1800 square feet to 5300 square feet, so it’s really busy here right now!  

What do you remember from your first MMA fight?

I was really sick. I think I had bronchitis. I was nervous too, and I didn’t know what to expect. I went out there and choked her out in like 15 seconds. Then I just wanted to go again! It was just over so fast.

What’s the toughest fight you’ve had so far?  

It was probably against Jessica Aguilar from American Top Team in Florida. She was an unexpected opponent, and I thought that I was going to beat her pretty good. But she was tough! She didn’t have too much skill back then, but she was just so tough and she took a lot.  

What’s the hardest punch you’ve ever landed?  

I’ve almost knocked out a couple of girls, but the hardest I’ve hit someone would probably be in my fight with Molly Helsel. I hit her hard a few times, and she said it was some of the hardest hits she’s taken – and she’s a 135lb fighter.  

Where do you hope to be in your career two years from now?

I hope to gather at least another belt or two. Mostly though, I want to be on TV. I want to really showcase myself. My hands are really coming together, and no one thinks I’ve got hands. I really want to show my skills on TV.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Keep fighting – not necessarily ‘punching’ fighting – just keep fighting for your dreams. A lot of people want to stomp on your dreams and are jealous. A few people in particular have just kept telling me to keep fighting for what I want.  

How would you like people to remember you?

I would want people to remember me as a role model, and someone that they didn’t just perceive as a fighter, or a gym owner. I want them to see someone who has succeeded and realize they can do it too.  

Lisa Ward spoke with Lisa Pancino