When speaking to Kathy Long, her humbling demeanor sort of draws you to her, with her calm, cool, and collective behavior one would not guess that she is a fighter, but in fact, all though Long is very articulate, she could very easily open up a can of kick butt ion a person in a heartbeat.
Kathy Long is a five-time former kicking boxing champion, she holds black belts in a couple of different fighting styles, she is a master in Fung Fu San Soo, and just recently at the ripe young age of forty-five made her successful cage debut defeating Avery Vilche unanimously on the Call to Arms card, “Called out MMA”.
Kathy Long has many accolades throughout the fight world as well as the world of entertainment, Long has stunt doubled for Michelle Pfeffier in “Batman Returns”, guest starred in season four of “Walker Texas Ranger”, have been featured in movies such as “Rage and Honor” and “Natural Born Killers”, and was commentator for UFC 1.
But with all of her accomplishments and accolades that she has worked so hard for, Kathy sates that the best thing about it all has been teaching, and believes that a person can do what he or she puts their mind too.
In this exclusive interview conducted with Convicted Artist Magazine, Kathy Long speaks on her recent successful debut, speaks out on her future, and gives her thoughts on her career, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.
You just recently won your cage debut, give the fans and readers your thoughts on the win?
Kathy Long
I could have done a lot more, there are some old habits like when I knocked her down in the first round, I backed up instead of jumping on her. Old instincts kicking in and I was waiting for the ref to jump in and give her a standing eight count. (Laughs) So I am going to have to go back to the drawing board on work on some things in that aspect. You are your own worst critic.
BH
When can we expect you back in the cage?
KL
I am hoping to be on the November 14th card for Called to Arms again, I am supposed to make an appearance that weekend but are trying to get past that. If we can overcome that obstacle then I will be in the November 14th card.
BH
I have to ask this question and I mean no disrespect, what would possess a woman to get in the ring and get punched in the face? I understand men, most of us don’t care about our looks, but a woman, why the punishment?
KL
When you look at it, it is not about going in there and taking punishment, it is about that ultimate challenge, when you play team sports you can play as hard as you can on that team, but you are not guaranteed that the other players are going to play as hard as you do. To complete in that ultimate one on one competition, nobody is going to do that for you but yourself, and that my friend is exhilarating, that gets your adrenaline going and that scares that crap out of a lot of fighters, the thought of if I don’t fight the best that I can then I am going to get slaughtered. For me fear is a huge motivator, I don’t look at it as I am going to go in there and get hurt, I go in there and compete the best I can and get somebody who is going to compete as well and let’s see who the winner is.
BH
What has been the hardest aspect in being a fighter?
KL
Overall, finding good training partners, especially men who will respect that fact that I am another fighter and not just a woman. When I was competing in kick boxing, I had training partners who were willing to hit me as hard as they could. And yes I got knocked out, I got injured, broken noses and broken bones, but it was what made me better. By the time I got into the ring with another woman my size, there was nothing she could hit me with that made a difference.
BH
What advice would you give to a young fighter, particularly a young lady who is fighting?
KL
If you are serious about it and want to do it, take it all the way as far as you can. If you realize somewhere down the round that it is not for you, then it is ok to walk away. Some girls they like the idea of it, but when they get hit they say what am I doing? If you are not passionate about it and don’t love it, then don’t do it. But if you like it then by all means, you can win titles, you can travel the world, you can get on Showtime and ESPN, I have done it, and if I can do it then they can do it.
BH
What is the one thing that you can tell us about Kathy Long, which nobody else knows?
KL
(We both laugh) I would lose all my secrets if I did that.
BH
That’s fair. What do you feel are your best qualities as a fighter?
KL
As a fighter probably, my ability to adapt quickly in a fight, I think it has been one of my better attributes. And I am not willing to quit, I am not willing to lie down. My first world title fight I went in there with broken ribs, but I was determined, I went through the fight and did the best I could.
BH
You have had your hand in movies, some television series, you commentated for the UFC, fought and so on, what has been your most memorable accolade?
KL
Teaching, I love teaching, I am very passionate about teaching and helping others. That has allowed me the opportunity to reach out to people and help them and that is my biggest goal. The more I help others, the more I help myself.
BH
If there is anything that the readers can get from this interview, what would it be?
KL
I am forty-five years old, at that age I am getting back into a sport that is probably the most challenging physically than what most pro athletes could get into. It send a huge message to not only women but everybody, if you think you can try it, at least try, you have to give it a shot.
BH
IS there anything that you would like to add in closing?
KL
I really appreciate you taking the time out to speak with me.
Cover Photo By: Tim Vrieling
Sponsor Photo By: Kelly Nisley
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