Ground and Pound - Fightnews

"Dynamite" Diana Rael talks exclusively with GroundandPound before her big fight at the “Jackson’s MMA Series VII” against “The Karate Hottie” Michelle Waterson.

Rael (3-1) is fighting for “Serial Boxe” Fight Team out of Advantage Martial Arts in Colorado. She took out local fan favorite Angelica Chavez with a convincing victory recently and is looking to use her advanced striking and solid ground game to reach a whole new level by defeating Waterson, in Raels biggest career fight yet. This 105-pound match up is guaranteed to be explosive!

GroundandPound: Hi Diana and thanks for your time between your training and the holidays. I hope you are healthy and in good shape.
Thanks Elias for taking the time to interview me.

Speaking of which, how do you handle your training between Christmas and New Year. Do you enjoy some nice meals with your friends and family, or do you handle it pretty strictly, eating just clean foods without any of the holiday distractions?
Well, I am very strict when it comes to my camps; I trained both Thanksgiving, Christmas, and on New Years. I did enjoy my family time as well; my family is super supportive when it comes to me and MMA so they understand where I am coming from. I had no distraction and enjoyed training though the holidays, I really couldn’t ask for more.

Since 2008 you fought as an amateur. You started fighting as a pro in 2010. What else did you do before that, regarding combat sports?
At a younger age I competed and belted in Taekwondo, then meet up with my significant other, coach, and manager Ben Schissler. And have been with our team the Serial Boxe since.

Is your fighting career your full time job, can you concentrate only on that, or do you have to do it while having a daytime job on the side?
I was actually a preschool teacher for many years. As of July this year a have had the opportunity to train full time and love it. I work for L.A. Boxing in Colorado, so if I am not personally working out I am training my clients.

How long does your training camp go for this fight?
My camps will be nine weeks total. I keep myself in fight shape even if I don’t have a signed fight. It makes the transition from training to camp smooth.

You will fight Michelle Waterson on January 21st. What do you know about her? What do you expect?
Michelle is a well-rounded fighter. As for my expectation; we are both there to put on a good show and test our skills. It should be a entertaining fight.

It is the biggest fight of your career so far. Are you doing anything special in preparation for this bout - in comparison to your previous ones?
Having the opportunity to train full time has definitely been beneficial, it has given me plenty of time to study and train.

Your fight background is Muay Thai. We also know that Michelle likes to stand and bang as well. Do you think this is going to be a war on your feet?
I think it will be a technical battle!

Do you have a prediction for us? How will the fight end?
I will come out of this fight with bruises, but not beaten. Leave No Decisions.

What is your plan after Michelle? Do you have any target(s)/opponent(s) in sight? Who do you want to fight?
Whatever coach Schissler says is next I will do, the sky is the limit.

Where do you want to fight next? USA, Japan, Europe? Jewels, DEEP, Bellator, Strikeforce etc.?
My goal is set for Jewels, they have many true 105-pounders and great competition.

What do you think about the future of Women's MMA?
Glad to see it growing, I hope it continues in 2012. It is great to see women get recognition.

Tell us a fun fact about you.
I use to be a Mad Scientist.

You have some tattoos on you. Would you mind letting us know how many and what they mean/represent?
My lioness on the side is a reminder to me to be in control and have the heart of a lion every time I go out to battle. My right arm is Muay Thai in Thai. The colors represent the Thai flag. My Thai Might mouse on the shin was inspired by a gentleman that I was speaking to one day. He was talking to me about my armature title fight (both he and I didn’t realize it was me he was speaking of). He described this fight in such detail it felt familiar, as he continued with the conversation I realized he was speaking about me. The first sentence that came out of his mouth was, “this little chick came out like might mouse and whooped on this other chick” and it inspired the tatt. I have dynamite on the left inner arm and just recently got one on my leg. A self image of me throwing a thai knee in front of the Colorado flag.

Your nickname "Dynamite" - who gave it to you and why?
Well, it actually came about when I was a mad scientist, the children told me I needed a science name and dynamite is what they choose. When I started training everyone told me I was like dynamite heavy hands and I blow up in your face. So it stuck with me.

Do you like to say something to your fans/readers?
Thank You! Without all my fans, I would not be where I am. I am truly appreciative of all the support. Thanks to Scott Pederson, he has helped me with my grappling and has made me a well rounded fighter and Ben Schissler for opening my eyes to the awesome world of MMA and Muay Thai and sharing his skill. Thank you to all my sponsors Revolution Chiropractic, Smokey Banana, Performance MMA, Jack-N-Grill, Archangel Fight Wear, Pruett Construction, IGo Hard, Gurlfytrz.org, and Typhoon Kennel.

All Pictures courtesy of Diana M. Rael on Facebook.