EXCLUSIVE Interview:Charlene"princess"Gellner wants into Invicta FC

[FKA]

I recently spoke with WMMA 115lb fighter Charlene"princess"Gellner about her background,her thoughts on newly formed all WMMA organaization Invicta FC,and the future of WMMA.

1)Where do you train, and what is your fight record?

I train both at Bay area fight academy in Hayward, Ca. and Darcio Lira BJJ in Livermore, Ca. I am 3-0 as an Amateur, and I am 0-2 as a pro.

2)If you were asked what kind of fighter you were stylistically, how would you describe yourself?

I would say I am a well-rounded fighter. With my pro fight debut being as I fought a high caliber striker, people assumed I am primarily a jiu jitsu fighter since I also train with Darcio Lira BJJ.

3)As far as female fighters go who do you look up to as being the standard for woman in MMA?

I definitely look up to women like Rhonda Rousey. Her ground game is insane plus she's an Olympian. That caliber of athletics is impressive in itself. I also look up to Sarah Koffman a lot, she's been grinding the Strikeforce circuit for a long time, I got mad respect for hard work.

4)How do you feel about the start up all female MMA promotion Invicta Fightng Championships?

Being a female fighter of course I love the idea of an all-female promotion. Hey invicta I'm ready to fight!!! 115 I would love the opportunity to fight for a well-organized promotion and I am sure I can put on a show.

5),The one unique thing about Invicta Fc is its introduction of the Atom weights(105lbs),Straw weights(115)lbs,and Fly weights(125lbs),which were never really used in american MMA before,Do you feel this is a good thing or a bad thing?

I think it’s a great thing for the world of MMA. Ever since I've heard of Invicta I've been trying to get a hold of their reps... It gives fighters like me a chance to fight a fair fight, not having to fight out of my weight class. So far in my pro career I've fought dramatically bigger women so Invicta gives smaller fighters like me a fair chance. I think UFC and other promotions are starting to realize the smaller weights are beginning to be the most exciting.

6)Growing up who and what inspired you to train and eventually fight?

I was always playing with the boys wrestling and horse playing, trying to match strengths and prove being a girl didn't make me weaker or less capable. I was just trying to get into healthy shape and one of my friends had opened an mma school. I started training, fell in love with the sport, and my competitive spirit was awakened.

7)You were 3-0 as an amateur,and made your pro debut on Jan 29,2011 on the Strikeforce Diaz vs Cyborg card against.Jenna Castillo.What was it like making your pro debut on such a large venue as Strikeforce?

It was a great opportunity to fight for such a large promotion such as Strikeforce. It was also a great honor fighting in San Jose, a life accomplishment for sure. However, we did take the fight on a month’s notice against a seasoned striker and I was really undersized. I believe I was not able to showcase my full potential and am constantly looking for the next opportunity.


8)Your last fight was for the promotion Rogue Fights in which you came up short in a split decision(i thought you won)
against Maria Andaverde.Since that fight what adjustments have you made in training to make sure it doesn't go to the judges next time?

Our team thought we won as well. It just comes to show you that we need more seasoned referees and judges in MMA that understand the sport. Since then, I’ve re-dedicated myself to jiu jitsu and competing as much as I can. I received my blue belt and am now a 1stripe blue under Darlynson Lira. Bay area fight academy has also expanded to a new location and I've started a new strength and conditioning regiment. No more leaving it to the judges.


9)When do you next see yourself fighting and for what promotion?

Whenever I get the offer I'm open to it. I will be competing in the US open for jiu jitsu in October. I'd really like the opportunity to fight for Invicta though. I want to see where I stand in the world of women’s MMA.


10)Dana White recently made comments saying he would think about bringing WMMA to the UFC
if there were more Ronda Rouseys.What do you think about his broad generalization that WMMA still isn't evolved enough to be in the UFC?

I hope with organizations like Invicta, he will be able to see more talents in WMMA. Women are capable of feeling that warrior spirit and can train and learn techniques the same as men. All in due time Dana White and the rest of the world will see WMMA has marketable potential. I just hope to be the part of the movement in making that happen and showing thatworld women’s MMA has more than just evolved, but is just as exciting.