FightHype.com recently had a chance to sit down with the lovely and talented Ali Sonoma. Ali talks about how she initially got involved with the UFC and shares her thoughts on MMA, what it's like to be a UFC Octagon girl, life with UFC welterweight Diego Sanchez, her kickboxing training and much more. Check it out!
PC: How are you doing Ali?
AS: Couldn't be better, thank you.
PC: First, I have to say you are a beautiful woman. Are you involved in modeling as well as being a ring card girl in the UFC?
AS: Yes, modeling is my full time job right now. I have been doing it since I was 16. We do about 1 or 2 UFC shows a month, so I keep myself busy on the side with other work.
PC: How did you become a ring card girl for the UFC? Who approached you with the idea?
AS: I was in the Maxim Hometown Hotties contest last year; they contacted me regarding the search for a new Octagon girl. I made the finals for that and they flew out ten girls to compete on a small reality show. I placed 2nd in the contest, but the girl who won got pregnant weeks later. To say the least, fate certainly took its course!
PC: Were you into mixed martial arts before you got into the UFC or did your interest in the sport pick up when you became a part of the sport?
AS: I was always interested in MMA, but I have to admit, I didn't know what the UFC was at the time I got picked to be in the contest. When I was selected, I studied and learned the rules, watched the fights and familiarized myself with the fighters' history. I was hooked when I worked my first UFC fight. The action was awesome, in your face (especially sitting a foot away from the cage), and I just loved the energy, excitement, and spontaneity of it all.
PC: Are you surprised by the growth of MMA over the last couple of years?
AS: It doesn't surprise me all that much. I watch baseball and football and as much as I like them, it's not nearly as entertaining as MMA. It's the best, most entertaining sport out there so I knew it would pick up as quickly as it has. And it will only continue to grow.
PC: The Pride guys were supposed to come over and dominate UFC fighters, but that hasn't happened so far. Why do you think the Pride fighters are having such a difficult time adjusting?
AS: I'm not so sure, but maybe it's because of the differences. In Japan, the Pride rules were slightly different and they had a ring versus a cage.
PC: I couldn't imagine a girl with your looks fighting someone and I mean that with all due respect, but I understand you're a kickboxer. How long have you been doing that?
AS: I have been kickboxing for a few years, I do it when I have free time, which isn't as much as I would like. But when I do it, I love it and I'm pretty good at it. I love feeling strong and knowing I can kick some ass!
PC: What are some of your other interests and things you would like to do now and after you are finished in the UFC?
AS: Right now, my main focus is on acting. I just moved out to L.A. and have plans to shoot three movies within the next year. I also want to do volunteer/charity work with kids, travel abroad, and learn to surf, get a master's degree, and just enjoy life.
PC: Not to get into your personal business too much, but how is Diego handling the 2 losses mentally and did he fair ok physically as well?
AS: Diego was mentally and physically well for his fight with Fitch. He is doing good, not taking it too hard. You have to look at all his fights overall. He is an excellent wrestler, is getting better at Jiu-jitsu, has a good boxing and conditioning trainer and a solid support group. It's silly for him to get discouraged because he is so young, has so much to learn and has his whole career still ahead of him. He is still one of the top welterweights. I think he did a good fight, tried many submission attempts and almost had him a few times. Fitch just defended the whole fight. To me, Fitch didn't really be aggressive with anything; he played it very safe. Diego is now trying to work on getting stronger; he is one of the smaller welterweights. One of Diego's best aspects is indeed his mind, his level of thinking, his optimism, his faith. He is very mentally strong and has the ability to take it to the top.
PC: Diego is not that big of a guy, as you just mentioned, and I think a move to 155 will fair well for him. Is that something he's really considering doing?
AS: I think he would do well either way, but I think it's best for him to stay at 170. If he just increases his strength and power, he will be better off and I think he knows that too, that 170 is a good weight for him. Just because he came off a couple losses doesn't mean he has to drop a weight class. He just needs to come back stronger and better.
PC: If you were Dana White for a day, what changes would you make in the UFC?
AS: Give everybody raises! Ha ha! I think Dana does a pretty good job considering all that he has on his plate. He's a very busy guy and cares very much for his people.
PC: If you were Joe Silva for a day, what would be the first fight that you make happen?
AS: I really thought the recent fight against Keith Jardine and Chuck Liddell was awesome. Almost everyone underestimated Keith. I had faith in him all along. I think a good fight would be a fight between either Houston Alexander and Wanderlei Silva or Wanderlei and Keith. Also, a rematch between Koscheck and Diego would be good.
PC: Who are the fighters that you enjoy watching the most?
AS: I like watching a lot of them. Some of my favorites (were) Randy Couture and now Chuck Liddell, Diego Sanchez, Houston Alexander, and Brandon Vera.
PC: Are you a fan of boxing at all? Do you like other sports like football, basketball or baseball?
AS: I enjoy watching boxing. I don't find it nearly as entertaining as MMA. After the fifth round, I am kinda restless. I enjoy watching college football, the NFL, and love baseball. The best games are live though! And my favorite sport of all is MMA (UFC).
PC: I see that you love Bob Marley. What is it about him that makes you such a fan of his?
AS: Because he's an avid pot smoker. No, I'm seriously just kidding! I like to laugh (wink). Bob Marley was an incredible lyricist; I love his voice and what he sings about. I love that he represented peace and love in his country, regardless of all the hate and negativity. He truly was a great role model, had such passion about life and had a truly unique spirit that will forever remain a legend. Also, the greatest thing about him, if I'm having a crappy day, I will put on his music and instantly feel better. He is like soul medication (wink).
PC: You obviously stay in tip top shape. What is your workout regimen like and how is your diet?
AS: I work out a few times a week and do kickboxing at least once a week. And I make it a daily endeavor to bust out a sweat some way or another with Diego (wink). That is, whenever we have the pleasure of seeing one another. My diet consists of a lot of protein, a lot of seafood, carbs and veggies. And this is the honest truth, I reward myself every day with dark chocolate!
PC: Can you walk down the street without constantly being hit on and do you ever get used to that or does it get aggravating sometimes?
AS: I don't go walkin the streets first of all. Ha ha! There I go againÂ…I am used to being looked at. When I was younger, I didn't like it because I was insecure, but now, I'm confident and just take it for what it is. Hey, I could have been dealt a lot worse. I appreciate what I was blessed with.
PC: How do you get along with Arianny Celeste?
AS: Arianny is my beloved partner in crime. I think if we had our own reality show, like a behind the cameras thing, it would rock! We are pretty silly together, we have so much fun!
PC: Would you ever like to see women fighter's in the UFC?
AS: I think the UFC is pretty stacked with the numerous men fighters as it is. However, I think women fight organizations, which are becoming more popular, are great. Women should be able to fight just like men do if that is their sport and I have watched many women boxing fights. Man, are they tough! I have much respect for them! They could probably kick your ass!!!!
PC: I doubt it (laughing)! Thank you so much for this interview and your time. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
AS: Thanks for having me, for taking the time. Much love and appreciation to all my fans and, of course, the UFC fans! Visit my website at www.AliSonoma.us or on myspace at www.myspace.com/alisonoma for updates. Peace and God Bless.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]