Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center & Spa
01/04/2019
11:45 AM MST
[ The main lobby area of the Embassy Suites is a circular room with light tan walls. Dark green and cream colored ceramic tiles make up the floor. A triangle-shaped skylight center right over the chairs and side tables. Sat in those of those chairs is Union Grand Prix interviewer, Dylan Carter. In the other, is Gina VanZant. Producers behind the camera gives Dylan a signal that the camera is now rolling, causing a smile as she looks toward the camera. ]
Dylan: Hello everyone and welcome to the second edition of “One on One”. I am Dylan Carter and today we are joined by a new, well newish, member of the UGP Lightweight division, The California Doll, Gina VanZant.
[ Dylan shifts to her left, towards Gina. ]
Dylan: Welcome to the show. Hope you're doing well.
Gina: Thank you for having me, Yes I'm doing well.
Dylan: I'm curious, what is it that got you into a physical combat sport such as MMA? I don't think it would be a big shock to you to say that you don't necessarily project the image of someone who fights others for a living.
[ Gina chuckles. ]
Gina: No it's not a huge shock, but like I said before I've been training in Boxing and kickboxing for years, I've have a few amateur boxing matches. I considered turning pro but to me MMA is more of a challenge, it let's me get out of my comfort zone.
Dylan: Before we get into the fight coming up, I'd like to go back to UPG #5, when you stepped in as a replacement against Kaelan Laughlin. Any regrets in taking that fight? Do you feel you could have I'm done better if you had an entire camp to prepare?
Gina: I don't really regret taking the fight, I saw an opportunity and I took it. If I'd had a full training camp I might have done better and I might not have. I wanted to prove that I could compete and I think I did that.
Dylan: Real Killas, Throne, Slaughterhouse, Raw Graps, and Hilite Fighting Club are some of the most famous training centers for combat sports. They have all produced numerous champions in both MMA and professional wrestling. They are also all represented by various members of the Lightweight division. What went into your decision to not have a dedicated gym to train? Do you worry at all that could be a hindrance to your development and growth in the company or the industry as a whole?
Gina: Actually I am looking at all of those gyms, I haven't made my decision yet. Right now I'm working with the same coach and trainer have had for years, but I may be making a decision in the near future on what camp to go to. But I don't think that not joining one of those camps has hindered me.
[ Dylan nods as she makes a quick note. ]
Dylan: Is there one that your leaning more towards at the moment?
Gina: Right now I've been looking really hard hard Real Killas, Throne, I have friends in both those camps, I would love to train with them. I've heard really things about both of those gyms.
Dylan: Now we are heading into Boss Fight V and you have a fight against a debuting Julia Tran. Not A lot Is known about her, but she seems to be quite different fighter than your first opponent. How are you preparing for her?
Gina: I've been looking at what little bit of footage there is of her, she seems to like to take things to the ground. I've been working more on my ground game, trying to improve there.
Dylan: Something you probably won't hear often, but you have a significant weight advantage over Julia. Is that something you hope to use?
Gina: I have a height, weight and reach advantage, I plan on using all three of them. I won't go into great detail on what my game plan is though, I hope you understand.
[Gina laughs softly]
Dylan: Of course… I have to try though.
[ Dylan laughs. ]
Dylan: Looking past this fight just a moment. Anyone in particular you’re wanting to face?
Gina: Well I'd like another shot at Kealan after I get a few more fights and more experience. I'd also like to take on Jordan Parker-Kane either as a title shot or not I think he and I could have a great fight.
Dylan: Championship or not, that fight deems liken it would be a good one. That all we have time for today. Thank you for joining me today. Everyone watching at home before to watch Boss Fight V tomorrow night. Live on the Battleground Network.