Miranda Maverick | Don't Waste Your Potential
Who and what got you involved in the sport?
I got involved in this sport when I was sixteen years old. I would credit my dad for it. We were sitting on the sofa a little before then when Ronda Rousey had her first UFC fight. My dad was like "You can do that, you can be world champ". I was like "No I can't, I don't want to even be hit at all". A couple years later I got involved in self-defense and Brazilian jujitsu. I fell in love with it and we moved to a place that had it. I drove an hour and a half at 16 years old and paid for the gym, Springfield Fight Club to do jujitsu. When I turned 18 I started doing MMA. I didn't think there was an age limit and I asked at 17 but couldn't until I was 18.
What is your number one philosophy you live by?
My number one philosophy that I live by is that God gave us the potential to do things and I don't believe in wasting my potential and talents. I don't want to die without using all of my talents.
What has been the highlight of your martial arts career?
The biggest highlight so far was my win in my second pro fight even though it wasn't my first. It was the one where my dad and I had very genuine moment after the fight. He put his hands through the cage and I hugged him. I was a huge underdog going into that fight and I wasn't expected to win by any means. I got my confidence and maturity where it needed to be after that fight.
Who is your biggest inspiration in and outside of the sport?
GSP, Brian Stann and Tecia Torres were probably my main inspirations within the sport when I was starting out in the sport. Outside of the sport has to be my dad of course. He has been with me the whole time and he has sacrificed everything so I can be where I am at in my sport. He's always supporting me and never jealous. He never takes credit for anything. He even takes credit for the bad when he should be taking credit for some of the good as well.
What do you think it will take to earn a UFC contract? Is this something you are trying to achieve?
I just have to continue to win. I am young and I try my best to be promotable. I try my best to do interviews and connect with the fans. I am hoping a couple more wins and being aggressive going into my fights will get their attention to where they can't turn me down. I am looking to be the world's youngest champion in Invicta and hopefully in the UFC as well.
What advice would you give to females starting in martial arts?
Be well rounded. Learn the ground game and wrestling and not just the striking. Start as young as you can and keep your mind full of confidence. Have a vision and go for what you want. I learned that desperation leans to success and that is so true. I am in school, I am doing martial arts and I want to be able to quit work and school to compete full-time.
What was an obstacle you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
The obstacle I have faced is juggling everything in my life at once. The way I have faced this is just learning to manage my time very well and to prioritize. I prioritize things from things that are most important to least important to me. My social life isn't important to me. I focus on my fighting and my schooling. Everything else has become a sideline for me. I creat a schedule everyday for whether it's laundry, training or eating. I also make sure I follow it.
How has mixed martial arts changed your life?
MMA has made me a more focused person and I've gained a respect among strangers that I never thought I'd have. Jujitsu itself has made me a more confident person and made me feel like a stronger individual. Three years ago I would have never told you I was MMA fighting. I would have never told you I was in the largest female MMA organization. It a huge blessing and I know God has put me where I'm at as well as friends, family, coaches and my teammates.