Arizona’s Cortney Casey is hoping to translate her amateur success into the pros.
Going 6-2 as an ammy, the former Tuff-n-uff flyweight champion signed with XFC earlier this year and will take on Kelly Warren in her pro debut this Friday on AXS TV.
We talk to Casey about making this huge step forward and preparing for her biggest challenge to date.
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Wombat Sports: You had seemed to find your stride in the latter part of your ammy career. What prompted you to get a five fight win streak going?
Cortney Casey: Hard work and a little time off to really focus on developing my game. After that it seemed to all come together quit nicely in the cage.
Wombat: You are coming off three armbar submissions, including a flying armbar that went viral. When did you decide to use the flying armbar in the fight?
Casey: I didn’t decided to to do it, to be honest. I didn’t know I had done it till I watched it at the after party…I had never practiced a flying armbar or even thought of ever using one…But it happened and it worked.
W.S.: Why the decision to turn pro?
C.C.: It was time for me to move up to the next level. I’m very excited with my decision to start my pro career with such a great organization and I happy that women have options now on were they can call home and I happy that XFC is mine.
W.S.: You have some great female training partners in Arizona. How has it helped in you preparing for the XFC fight?
C.C.: Well to be honest I don’t have the chance to train with them. I work full time and its hard to get out to other gyms, but I hope I get the chance to work with them in the future
W.S.: What do you know about your opponent Kelly Warren?
C.C.: Kelly is seasoned and very tough, she like to push the pace and does a very good job at it. She has a good gas tank and has fought a lot of high level girls and gone the distance with them. I think her style and mine match up well and its bound to be a great fight.
W.S.: Anything you like to add?
C.C.: I would like to thank my sponsors: Luta Elite Management, Kimurawear, Mentom Eyewear, Klench Mouthguards, Papworth Heating and Cooling, and of course LockdowN Clothing…I would also like to thank all my gyms: Sanchez BJJ, Freak Animal Fitness, Southwest MMA, and Sitan Gym.
Filed under: MMA
