UAE Fighting Championship
On Friday 25th September 2020, UAE Fighting Championships are holding their Warriors 13 event. On the glamorous stage of Abu Dhabi. We are treated to the return of the lady known as “Miss Pitbull” Naomi Tataroglu, who takes on Manon Fiorot.
Naomi is a World Champion kickboxer. With a current MMA record of 2-2, and comes into this fight on the back of 2 impressive wins by finish.
OPPONENT
This is perhaps the toughest fight to date, taking on French fighter Manon Fiorot (3-1). Her sole loss coming on her pro debut at Cage Warriors, to know Bellator fighter, Leah McCourt.
Naomi is training out of ARJ Trainingen where she is coached by Mike Polanen. I would like to give thanks to Mike who made this possible, I was fortunate to catch up with Naomi in the build-up to her fight, to see how things are shaping up.
INTERVIEW
How did your MMA journey begin, and what was it that attracted you to the sport?
Naomi: I started kickboxing at 12 years old. I already knew that I would be a mma fighter. I really like wrestling, after becoming world champion in kickboxing, i switched to mma two and a half years ago.
Naomi Tataroglu vs Manon Fiorot
You face Manon Fiorot on September 25th. On the back of a 2 fight win streak. What did you change up early on in your career after going 0-2 in MMA? That enabled your recent impressive form?
Naomi: I am proud to be part of this upcoming fight.
After I lost, I recognised I needed to make changes. I made sure to focus more on my groundwork, I made sure to learn from my mistakes. And now I’ve made those changes im here, and I’m going to show that.
You train with Mike Polanen at ARJ Trainingen how has training there has made you the fighter you are today?
Naomi: Everything revolves around discipline in this sport. Mike has the ability to make monsters from his fighters. We know what we want and are focused on achieving it.
Pandemic
How has the pandemic affected you as a person and a fighter in preparation for your upcoming fight?
Naomi: It was a very disappointing time after my last fight. I felt in great shape, and then all the gyms got closed resulting in the need to change up our training and finding, alternative ways.
Tell us how you feel going into this fight, And where do you feel you have the upper hand over your opponent?
Naomi: Im feeling great! there is no doubt Manon is a good fighter, i have a fighters heart and won’t be denied. I have trained for a long time for a great opportunity like this.
I want to be the best, and i know how much i want that,and to achieve that i have to beat the best.
I’m going for the win and nothing else.
What are your plans going forward, what does the bigger picture look like for you on your MMA journey?
Naomi: At the end of the year I’m emigrating to aruba with my partner.
I want to focus on my groundwork, I will be a complete fighter,
and become a World champion in mma.
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