Legacy Fights Interview Series – “Houston’s Favorite Female Pro-Fighter” Jennifer Scott

The next interview in our Legacy Fights Series features one of the first women set to fight professional MMA in Houston, TX. Given the monicker “Houston’s favorite female pro-fighter” by those around her, Jennifer Scott seems to be a hard-hitter indeed.

Starting as a boxer, the competitive 4 Oz. “Superstar” has plied her trade at amateur tournaments such as Ringside and Golden Gloves prior to turning professional and winning her debut via TKO when her opponent did not answer the second round bell. She has since gone on to transition into MMA, where her boxing prowess and additional training have carried her to an undefeated record thus far.

A lover of tough challenges both in and out of the cage, Ms. Scott is now set to take on experienced New Mexico fighter Karina Halliman of Jackson’s MMA in what will be the inaugural women’s professional bout at the upcoming Legacy Fighting Championship on January 29, 2011.

While we marinate on this upcoming matchup, read on and see happens to a person and what we get when you mix in a mean competitive streak with a mean competitive steak.

The sweet and savory taste of victory, obviously.

Jennifer, I saw an old video interview of yours with Kirk Chaisson where you mentioned starting in boxing as a form of fitness. How did you go from that to competing?

Lewis Woods had mentioned that I hit very hard for a female and asked if I would ever consider competing. At the time I didn’t have any other hobbies, and I am firm believer that it doesn’t hurt to try something at least once. It must have been a good choice, looking at things now.

How has your experience as a boxer prepared you for MMA? How do you compare the two sports?

My experience as a boxer prepared me for MMA by having the experience of fighting in front of crowds and getting over those nerves.  Fighting different styles of fighters, NO ONE fights exactly the same as someone else.

The only similarity the two sports have is that they are both individual contact sports…otherwise they are completely different.  Boxing is JUST hands and MMA you use your whole body as a weapon. For the most part, it’s the same preparing for the two sports as far as your mind has to be cleared and right, conditioning has to be up to par, eating right, etc. BUT MMA is NOT just hands. You have to physically train differently and more in-depth to prepare for the fight.

How many MMA bouts do you have under your belt now? How do you feel your game has evolved as you’ve taken on more mixed martial arts experience?

I’ve got 3 Pro fights and no amateur MMA bouts. My record is 2-0 with one No Contest since my last opponent tested positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs.

Every day at 4oz Fight Club, I learn something new that will help benefit my game as a Mixed Martial Artist…I always push myself to the limit and always remember to stay a sponge, you can never learn enough. I usually surprise myself when I exceed my expectations

What’s been your toughest moment in competition so far? How’d you get through it?

My last fight in Vegas – the experience of being cut for the first time was so unexpected and unexplainable.  I was unaware how bad my cut was until the blood hit the mat. When we got back to our feet, my first reaction was “don’t panic, this round is half way over then we can figure it out.”  Fighting with blood everywhere was very challenging.

To get away from the fight talk for just a second, tell our readers a little bit about yourself without mentioning training or fighting. Who is Jennifer Scott, the person?

Hmmm… I’m a single mom. My son doesn’t like fighting but he thinks it’s awesome that I do. I’m also In school studying Dental. Other than that, I can marinate the best steaks.. I just can’t grill them. LOL.

What do you like to do when you’re not training for a fight?

I love going to sporting events or live music performances.  Anything outdoors is always an awesome adventure… especially water sports and camping.  I’m always down for riding motorcycles.  I’m pretty much trying to enjoy every aspect of life to remember why it is I sacrifice so much while I am training for a fight.

What are some of your personal goals, both in, and out of the cage?

In the cage, my goal is to become a contender for a World Championship title. I also plan on completing school and providing the best I can for my son and myself always.

Your next fight coming up at Legacy is against Karina Halliman, fighting out of Jackson’s MMA all the way out in New Mexico. What do you about her?

She obviously comes from a very well-known camp, so her skills should be the best.  I’m ready for the challenge.

Taking 10-1 fighter Zoila “Warrior Princess’ Fausto to a split decision in her debut, your opponent’s fought some stiff competition in her six professional bouts. Does it make any difference to you at all that she fights out of such a well-known camp?

All my experience as a fighter since my very first amateur boxing match I’ve always had to fight the “tough” chicks.  My experience and wins were not given to me. They were earned.  I prefer the fact that I have to face the more “well-known” opponents; it lets me test myself and see just exactly how well I match up and allow me to continue to earn the respect as a skilled fighter. You learn more from tough challenging experiences.

How’s this fight going to end? What’s your prediction?

I predict for a first round knockout. I’m very confident in my stand up game.

Do you have any parting words for your fans? Anybody you’d like to thank or any other parting words before your fight on January 29^th?

I would thank my 4oz Trainers and Army for seeing that fire in my eye and adding the fuel. Ron Collins for keeping my hands crisp. Alvis Solis for introducing me to the basics of Jiu-Jitsu.