Just starting her combat sports career, Philadelphia’s Kayla Wakefield was able to get third place in her last NAGA tournament. She is a part of the new breed of fighters who are training all facets of the game from grappling to kickboxing to become a MMA fighter.
Wakefield is training with Rocco’s MMA Boxing and Fitness under Adam Rocco, who is a BJJ and pankration black belt.
——
Wombat Sports: What got you interested in combat sports?
Kayla Wakefield: I was over weight and my step father wanted me to start working out. Then i got a letter from school saying i was also overweight. Then my step father stepped in and start making me work out. Start making me take classes. And I did not like it at first but after seeing the results and how it could benefit me now i love it.
Wombat: What do you enjoy about it?
Wakefield: I love Mauy Thai because I love to punch and kick and it helps me when i am angry. It gives me an outlet when i am frustrated with family, friends and life.
W.S.: How has your friends and classmates reacted to it?
K.W.: Most of the girls in my class thought I was crazy. Some of the boys flirted with me. My best friend just laugh she encouraged me to keep it going when all the other kids called me a boy. The boys are now afraid to ask me out and the girls don’t talk to me because the are afraid i might hurt them.
W.S.: How about your family?
K.W.: My family drive me to and from the gym everyday. They encourage me to keep going even if I am having a bad day and not want to go. My stepfather will sneak up on me sometimes and put me into a lock and make me get out of it. Even if I am crying like a little baby.
W.S.: Who do you look up to in fighting?
K.W.: First of all my coaches Adam Rocco, Alex Rodriguez, and Joe Martini. And the Professional fighters who influence my life is Munah Holland , Ronda Rousey, Jessica Eye, and Felice Herring.
W.S.: How do you feel about the future of females in fighting?
K.W.: I think they should keep it going because woman are just as strong as males. That the female MMA will continue to grow. I believe they will take the sport to the next level. And you never know i might be the next Ronda Rousey.
W.S.: What comes naturally to you in fighting? What have you found difficult?
K.W.: I found Striking comes naturally to me and the grappling is the hardest but i don’t quit.
W.S.: What are your aspirations in fighting?
K.W.: I intend to be an Invicta Champion. I don’t see the UfC bringing in the heavier weight classes any time soon. I would gladly be the Invicta Champion. I am determent and there is no off switch on me.
W.S.: Anything you want to add/thank?
K.W.: First of all I want to thank Wombat Sports for the Interview and showing interest in my career. I am looking forward to competing in grappling tournament and possibly amateur Muay Thai sometime this year.
I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting me. My coaches and team mates At Rocco MMA who make me better everyday. My my sponsor GRIT MOUTH GUARDS for keeping my teeth in my mouth. Paul Hejduk from DFFD. And anyone else I forgot I am sorry.
Filed under: Kickboxing, MMA
