By TXMMA Staff | Photo – Jeff Attwood
2011 TXMMA Female Fighter Award Winner Makes Pro Debut At XKO 19 This Saturday
GREENVILLE, TX, August 12, 2013 – At 27 years old and with a few years of amateur MMA success under her belt, 2011 TXMMA Female Fighter of the Year (Amateur) Jade De Haas is ready to make a splash in her pro debut this Saturday night. The Chop Shop MMA rep out of Greenville, TX will be taking on fellow debut fighter Sabrina Garcia as part of the XKO 19 pro MMA event scheduled for the Europa Get Fit & Sports Expo this Saturday night at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in downtown Dallas, TX.
We recently caught up with “Quiet Riot” to discuss the upcoming bout and what she’s been up to since we last caught up with her in early 2012 ahead of XKO 19 this Saturday night.
XKO 19 Interview – Jade De Haas
Tell us a little bit about yourself for fans that haven’t seen you yet.
My name is Jade “The Quiet Riot”. My fight name was given to me by the guys/other fighters at the gym when I first started. I am a fairly quiet person on a regular basis so many find it hard to believe I fight, but once I step foot into the cage I’m almost a different person because nothing about my fighting is quiet. I am a very competitive person; I have played competitive sports my whole life including softball which I went to college on a scholarship for. I don’t like to give up or quit, EVER. It’s in my nature to keep fighting no matter what I’m doing in life.
How did you get started with MMA?
I actually started doing cardio kickboxing classes after I had my daughter, she is 3 now. I had done one amateur boxing charity event several years before but no other combative competitions. I really got the hang of the punching and kicking aspect and wanted to find out about the other aspects of MMA. I started taking a couple grappling classes; I really started to like it. Many of the guys and my trainer noticed I had some talent in this sport and encouraged me to do an actual fight. After some thought and about 7 months later I did my first MMA fight. (Feb. 2011) With less than a year of training I went in there and won by split decision. From then on I went 4-0 that year.
You fared well in our TXMMA Awards in 2011. How was 2012 for you?
2011 was my first year fighting I went 4-0 that year. All wins on decision. 2012 I had 3 fights, changing my record to 5-2 with one title win, Midwest Bantamweight Champion (Missouri).
What’s life like outside the sport for you now?
My life outside of this sport is being a full time mom to my beautiful daughter Harlow. I do everything I can to make sure she is always taken care of and has everything she wants and needs. This includes working one full time bob at her daycare as a teacher and I also teach Group Fitness Classes twice a week. So I stay very busy but I wouldn’t trade motherhood for anything. Harlow is my everything.
How does it feel to be debuting as a pro at XKO 19 in Dallas?
I couldn’t be more excited to have my pro debut in Dallas; this is the closest to my home I have ever fought. I am excited that many of my friends and family will be able to come watch. Not to mention it will be nice not to have to get in a car for 7/8 hours to get to the fight venue.
How have you prepared for next Saturday?
I have prepared for this fight much like my others in the past but have amped up the intensity and duration of all my training sessions, along with an increased strength program. I always make sure I am training in all aspects of the sport, so I am prepared for wherever the fight my go, (ground or standing). Since this is my pro debut I have realized this is a step up in the competition aspect, so I have to really make sure I make the most of every minute of my training sessions.
What you know about your opponent, Sabrina Garcia?
I am aware that this will be her pro debut as well. She has a background in BJJ, wrestling and Muay Thai from what I know. I think this is really a great match up for us both.
What can fans expect from this fight?
I think fans will get a chance to see me showcase many of my skills I may not have shown in my previous fights. I never have a boring fight so they can expect to see a good/intense fight nonetheless with lots of action.
Any predictions you want to share?
I predict that this fight will not go to decision. I have only finished one of my fights in my career so far and I plan on finishing this fight as well. I have prepared immensely for this fight and losing is not an option for me. Fans, be ready for an exciting fight!
What’s the future hold for you?
I plan on continuing my career in MMA, and hopefully making my way to Invicta FC soon, then ultimately the UFC. I started off just doing this for fun sand a good workout but it has grown to become something I love and have a passion for, and I only see myself getting better from here. I started with little knowledge and have come such a long way, so I anticipated I will only keep growing in knowledge and skill in this sport.
Do you have any last words before XKO 19?
I just want to thank all of my sponsors for their support so I can be prepared with all means necessary for this fight. A huge thanks to my trainer and Manager Rob Stucker for all his time and work put in training me. A huge thanks to my boyfriend and other trainer Jason for all his help and support throughout getting ready for this fight and all his help outside of training. And thanks to my family for their help and support, especially with Harlow so I am able to train as often as I need. AND thank you TXMMA for giving me the opportunity to share a little about myself in this interview.