The Triangle Choke: Erin Toughill Interview

Erin Toughill may not be a recognizable name but she is on the fast track to a big payday for Strikeforce. Toughill has more experience that even the likes of Cyborg Santos and Gina Carano. She is an explosive fighter and like Carano, has the appearance that will draw legions of fans. She holds a career record of 18-4-2.

SD- Erin, speak about your background in combat sports.

ET- I was an athlete my whole life. I started playing soccer at 4 years old then basketball, softball, all at very high levels throughout my adolescence. I started in BJJ with the Gi when I was about 18 or 19. I had been doing low level striking training before that. But I started getting VERY serious when I was about 21, and I had my first pro fight when I just turned 22, in 1999. So I found martial arts a little later in life, but I started fighting way before it was the "cool thing" to do...like it seems to be why people fight today.

SD- When did you start training for MMA specifically

ET- When I was 21. I never knew women did MMA. I was going to kickbox but overseas it was a big thing for women. So my career started there & I never looked back.

SD- How has your family reacted to you being a fighter?

ET-My family always, always supported me. My Dad didn't like that his little girl was getting punched in the face lol but he knew I was a go-getter and if I was going to fight, it was so I could be the best. He knew my dedication and he respected that. My mom typically goes to all my fights. My sister and Dad were my biggest fans, and although they're not here physically anymore, their spirits are always with me, pushing me to be the best.

SD- Talk about the difficulties and stereotypes of being a female mixed-martial artist.

ET-Obviously, that "women can't fight." Or of you "look" like a woman, you can't fight. I think I’ve been around a very long time, and I do get respect from my peers. I’ve trained a few world champion males, so that speaks volumes. I think the casual fan will eventually embrace females as well, but it'll take some time. But there will always be people that don't want to see women fight. I don't really care. I do what I want. You can watch or not.

SD- What do you feel are your greatest strengths and areas for improvement?

ET- I don't know if my "strength" is standup, per say...I just prefer to strike. But, I’m working with a new grappling coach named Neil Melanson, and his style is catch wrestling...I work with Eric Paulson also who is a catch wreslter, and man, that stuff is violent. I think I’m just working on a more "aggressive" style of ground now. So, I'm always improving on everything, whether I’m good or not at something.

> Buy Strikeforce tickets & be sure to check out the great MMA clothing, hats & merchandise available through Pro Fighting Fans & partner sites.

SD- Talk about your training team and what your daily regiment consists of.

ET- I will be doing my camp in Las Vegas. All of the pieces aren't finalized, but my grappling coach is my boyfriend, Neil Melanson. He's the head grappling coach @ Randys, and he's a catch wrestler. He has a violent style and trains many top fighters. If you've trained with him, you know it hurts while I’m in O.C. I train with Eric Paulson and Team ArchAngel. Brian Raunchbach is my Thai coach. I’m happy to be going to one place and have all my training close.

SD- Rumors are circulating you are fighting on the Strikeforce card on August 15th and with a victory you will get the winner of Santos/Carano. Can you shed any light?

ET- I am fighting. Strikeforce announced it last week. And I’m not sure who I’m fighting, but seeing I WIN, I get the winner of Cybrog versus Gina.

SD- Does it bother you that Santos and Carano have received more notoriety than you, yet their resumes are no more impressive?

ET- Hmmm, I don't know if "bother" is the right word. First, Strikeforce had no idea I would be able to fight 145. Elite XC was courting me before they went under, but I myself did not think I’d be able to get to 150, which is where they wanted me. I KNEW if I wanted to fight, I’d have to drop. So when PFC signed me, it was 150, then 148, then 145. It’s a wicked weight cut, but this is what separates chumps from champs. You have to do the things normal people won't do. And I’ve fought better competition than both combined, but it's only to my advantage. Doesn't really matter, my shot is coming soon...

SD- You appeared as Steel on American Gladiators. Talk about that experience.

ET- It was amazing. I was picked for Season 1, but thought it would be a bust so I never went to second auditions (laughs). They wanted real athletes in Season 2, so they specifically asked for me to come in. I got picked out of thousands. It was an honor and what an Iconic thing to be a part of.

SD- Thank you Erin. We will continue to monitor your career and look forward to the event on August 15th.

ET- I wanted to thank Neil Melanson and my sponsor, Cage Fighter. Of course MMA Agents and all the boys who work with Ken Pavia and Nate Brodnax. I am just trying to get the casual fan to know me, and I hope I can prove women can bring a great deal to this sport. Go to www.erintoughill.com and myspace.com/erintoughill for info on me.

By Scott Dryden
ProFighting-fans.com Staff Writer & Editor-in-Chief

Photo courtesy of Erin Toughill