Vicky Ochala interview

news_summary

Okay, so I'm here with Vicki. She's going to be fighting at the upcoming Artimus promotion which is going to be held up north in Belfast. She's going to be fighting Rachel. You're in the main event. You for a title as well. This is I wouldn't be as familiar with the the K1…

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Okay, so I'm here with Vicki. She's going to be fighting at the upcoming Artimus promotion which is going to be held up north in Belfast. She's going to be fighting Rachel. You're in the main event. You for a title as well. This is I wouldn't be as familiar with the the K1 scene, but from what I've heard, this is a fight that you fought a lot of same people. This is kind of a fight that's like been circling around waiting to happen. It's finally happening. How number one, thank you very much for your time and uh thank you for joining me. But how are you feeling about this fight? >> Yeah, I'm really excited. Um feel like I've been working and training hard all year, so I'm just ready to go. I'm really really excited to fight Rachel. Like we like you said, we fought a lot of the same opponents, >> but we never had the opportunity to fight each other yet. So it's going to be exciting >> and what a great show for it to happen. And obviously M has created this this platform and I think it's fantastic. Neon who has has done the similar down south. Um, how do you feel about this promotion and what Mel's done? Because even with the sparring day, there was like 80 people up as something like that, which is cra I I would I didn't think there was even 80 people that were actively competing in in the female of things. How do you feel about this promotion and what Mel has kind of done for the female side of things? >> I think it's brilliant. Like what Ne did as well, it was last year and the year before. That was amazing as well. the show that she she um she had to go and I found that as well like there's so many amazing females that you've never even you've never really seen fighting because they kind of you know there's not many of them like there's 20 male fights two female fights and if you miss one you you that's basically it you know um but no I think it's brilliant like Mel as well she's brilliant at organizing it she's putting her heart and soul into it and I'm it's really showing now like she's showing me all the little bits that she's organ organized, the shorts, the bras, everything. Like, she's taught of every single thing. So, it's amazing that she's she's doing it, you know, and given the amateur girls such a such a big chance to show their skills. Like, especially the younger girls who wouldn't actually get put onto onto amateur cards, you know, because they're too young or, you know, they're looking for amateurs rather than juniors or pros cuz they do get, you know. Yeah. >> Yeah. it you see the likes of the likes of Rage like you see Emma Darcy and stuff they would have competed on the shows and like I said the the girls kind of come in at the entry level wouldn't have got the chance it was cuz obviously likes Er she's gone on to cage warriors who who who everyone would know around and it's the and I think you go back to something ne actually said when I watched one of her interviews she felt that the girls >> like not that she felt the girls fights they just put them on to get them out of the way but they they never really got the main stage where this show is is is all the main stage age for all the females. And do you think this will help increase the the uptake of combat sports from females because of shows like this? >> 100%. Like it's given first timers a big chance to to give it a go and try fighting, you know, like that's only going to encourage even more girls to try to give it a go as well. Um and I think like what um Ne said is very true. there's like a certain stage. So if you get to a certain stage, you know, you get a lot of opportunities, but until you reach that stage, there's very little, it's kind of hard to go to progress as a female. So shows like this are going to be so important for for younger generations and for for new fighters to come through, you know. >> Yeah, you can see the uptake in the in the female side of things nowadays. And you'd have to credit the likes of Danny McCorm, Shauna Bannon kind of that Sha has gone to the UFC. a lot of people look up to her and you can see it this will come I say in a couple more years you'll see people who who look up to Shauna Bannon will come through and it'll help and shows like this definitely help because it gives you a platform to show off all your skills like I said Mel has she's so many fights booked for this already she actually's gone over what she thought she was going to have >> so it is fantastic but let's talk about you for a second obviously you and Rachel are kind of at the top of the pile within the scene at the minute in your respective weight class but where did it all start for Vicki When when did this start happening for you? >> Um when I go back to the very start. >> Yeah, go back to the very back back to the very start. >> Back to the start. Okay. So, I uh started judo when I was five or six. And I competed in judo throughout my like my young ages. And my dream was always to become a professional athlete. Like I was, you know, I fell in love with the sport. Um, and then over the years it kind of became a little less possible. It was like that dream was kind of going with judo. Um, and when I was younger, I always used to look up to Ronda Rousey when she she was kind of coming up when I was when I was growing up. Yeah. >> And she was obviously a judo Olympian and you know in the UFC and I was like, I really want to do this. So when stuff kind of started crashing with judo, I found KF and I was like, I'm gonna go into MMA. But I actually fell in love with the striking uh so much that I just stuck to it for the past like three or four years now. Um so yeah, now I'm here and since I started fighting, I've just had the head down. Like I've fell in love with the training. and I fell in love with the fight and the emotions of it, you know, the ups and the downs and yeah, that's basically now I'm here. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's a long road. And you mentioned your team there. Team KF is a team I'm quite fond of. I see Chris at all the shows and then obviously he's he's got other people with him. What's it like being in that gym? Cuz I've heard him when people are fighting. Um obviously he he's one of the louder people, but it's because he knows what you're capable of and you're not performing to the standards. is uh like he he knows that the work you've put in, but what's it like being in that gym? Because they he said to me before he doesn't want to train people to become fighters. He wants to train people to come world champions. What's it like being in there with that mentality and people with that mentality the same as yourself? >> It's brilliant. Like Chris is one of the best coaches ever. Like he's so patient. He's so knowledgeable with the sport. you know, I'm mostly just doing striking with him, but sometimes if I'm doing an MMA class, he's he's knows his stuff so well. Um, and that's it. He has that mentality of like training world champion. So, it's, you know, world champions are built over time. It's not instant. And I think that's like that's shown in the gym as well. It's like you keep learning, you go to training, you learn, you learn, you learn, you learn and over time that knowledge is going to build up for you as well. Like he passes it on to you. Um, but no, it's brilliant. Like now the lads are getting ready for Cage Warriors in Dublin. So that's the same night I'm fighting. So the mentality in the gym is actually so good. Like you know, everyone's in getting their rounds in. Everyone's kind of cutting the weight as well. So it's great. It's honestly I'm I'm like I'm so I'm so happy to be part of that gym. It's brilliant. >> And what's it like? Like you said, they're getting ready for KJ. Obviously, you're on a different show. What's the buzz like when there's a when there's a fight coming up and and there's so many fighters competing because you do see from a lot of gyms there might be only one fighter from there but with KF they're usually fighting on on like that different couple of fighters they've got obviously got you on a different show. What's the atmosphere of the buzz like? Is it just absolutely buzzing leading up to the fight? It actually is like even there on Friday, you know, I had a double session and then the lads came in and they had sparring in the evening and even just watching them like the seriousness of it and everyone's getting in there getting their rounds in before the fights before you know you start taper down for fight week but like watching them and their commitment and how much they do and it's so inspiring and it's motivating as well. >> Yeah. Yeah. You talked about the judo and and obviously crossing over and then you fell in love with the striking. Obviously judo is more throws and trips and and stuff like that. What was it like getting punched in the face for the first time in training thought and then what >> and then obviously that's what you fell in love with. And what people say is like like when you feel pain, it's kind of one of the only emotions like that you really feel and you're just like, "Oh." Like what was it about getting punched in the face that you like so much that you wanted to continue do? If anyone else here is not from Combat Sports, this is probably the most bizarre conversation you're ever going to hear. But what was it about striking that you fell in love with? >> Oh, I I loved every single bit of it. Like I loved hitting pads. I fell in love with hitting pads. I fell in love with punching people. I fell in love with getting punched. I loved it. Like it was there was this stage where I was kind of like between 16 and I'd say 17 18. I was a bit lost, you know, I was falling out of judo and I didn't really know where I was going. Like I was in the gym and I was bored and when I found striking I was like oh my god these emotions like you know obviously you feel so many emotions walking out when you're fighting but you kind of like start to feel that when you're when you're training for the first time in the gym as well. And then I remember sparring for the first time and I was like I'm so lost like I don't know what to do except try a one two three leg kick but even then I was feeling so much adrenaline like I I fell in love with every aspect of it and I was just like I was hungry for to keep learn I just wanted to keep learning like I just wanted to learn and learn and learn as much as I can. So as well when I was starting off I was in college and uh I was kind of like struggling with money a little bit. So, I figured right to pay for this to pay for this membership, if I do more classes, it's going to turn out cheaper per the for the day. So, I actually just trained as much as I could and I was like, I'm getting my money's worth of this membership. So, I was just hungry to keep learning and then, you know, you start to feel fitter, you start to feel better in yourself. It's just it's like a cycle, you know. >> Yeah, I get that as well. If you're going to pay for the unlimited membership the full price, you might as well take advantage of it. And I know what it's like being in college and having no money. It's absolutely zero crack. Um, but you were in judo for so long and then obviously like you said you found KF. What was that like? Obviously you'd competed before and you'd been in gyms before but like even even now for like myself if I changed the job there's like apprehension nerves and stuff like that. Was was there any of that kind of going into the other gym and especially like >> with people looking at MMA as like a male dominated area would like what was your kind of emotions going over? Was there any nervousness? Was there any of that? Talk to us about what was like changing over to KF. >> Yeah. So like I was obviously very nervous going into the gym. Um but I don't think I felt the nerves as much as I would have if I never did judo because judo is a male-dominated sport as well. So, I kind of grew up with, you know, all the lads on the mat. Um, but stepping foot into KF, that was intimidating. Like, that was scary. I had a friend who, um, it was a guy who I actually trained judo with, and he's the one who told me to come down and he partnered up with me for a few weeks, which helped a lot. Like, that was, you know, I'm so grateful for him, but it was definitely nerve-wracking. It was definitely intimidating because, like you said, like you need to, you know, there's new moves you need to learn. and you're moving your body in a different way and even in judo your stance is opposite to what your stance would be in kickboxing. So even that was a bit of a change for me but um yeah it I don't think I don't think it was as bad as if I didn't do judo you know to step into the into the gym. Yeah. >> Yeah. And as time goes on cuz a lot of people like that if I went to go to MMA gym now I'd find it kind of intimidating stuff as well being older a little bit more out of shape than a lot of people there. But talk to us about when you get there, the community because I think that not just MMA but combat sports in general because everyone goes for a reason and you leave your blood, sweat, and tears on the mats is probably one of the best communities I've ever been involved with. Would you like So if there was a a female that wanted to to join a female's class or something, what advice would you give them? Because it's a lot less intimidating than people would assume it to be in my opinion. >> Yeah. Well, like the advice I give them is to always go for it, you know? Like for me it was such a big dream to to go and punch people for some reason. So it was just so fulfilling to actually go and do it for myself. But um I if if a girl is thinking about it, I'm always encouraging them to go for it. Like it's it's so empowering and like a lot of the time, yeah, there is a lot of ego on the map, but like I feel like the real professional fighters, they're the ones who are actually the most welcoming. They're the ones that don't have the ego. And once you get chatting to everyone, you start to realize that it's actually not that much of an intimidating place as you think. Everyone's everyone's only human there and everyone's so so nice and they're so caring and everyone wants to help each other, you know? Like I think you start to notice that over the weeks or months or whatever you're training, but yeah, it can be intimidating, but I think everyone's in it together, you know. >> Yeah. And and especially with KF, there's there's a huge family feel as there is among most all gyms. You'll hear them say we have family. KF's another one. Like I really really like Chris and I really like the the talent that's coming out at Domus is someone who doesn't get enough shine. I think he's not very social media friendly as well. And I think that plays a big part in it. But you've got some really good people in the gym and you're in really it's in a really good place right now. But you're going to be fighting Rachel. I believe this is an oriental rules fight, isn't it? So it's slight different. >> Explain to people me as well cuz I don't know what the difference is. What is the difference between uh a nor a normal fight would have been for you towards an oriental? Like what is the what are the differences in the rule sets? >> Honestly, I'm it's like um I think so there's a there's a bit of a longer clinch rule. Um I know in the oriental fights, I still need to read up on the on the rules on the rule set, but I think it's pretty similar to K1. You know, there's just a bit of a longer clinch involved and I know in K1 you can knee once and you have to let go. I think that rule's kind of got an oriental rules. So, it's leaning more towards a my thigh kind of style, but um yeah, I'm that's that's all I can tell you. >> No, I I I don't think the differences are big cuz Mel did explain it to me, but obviously I'm not a good listener because we don't know now. And I think that was one of the main things said with the clinch us you're able to get just one shot off before it's broken up, whereas yeah, >> you have a little more bit more time. and I said it leans a bit more towards my thigh. She said she was excited about it because like that makes it that little bit different and that little bit more exciting as well for your preparation for the fight as well. Will you would you look at Rachel and her style and would you get obsessed with it or do you just kind of look at what she does good say right I need to defend this and then and then work on your own game plan rather than tailor to defending her game plan let's say >> um do you know what I actually I used to watch my opponents fight and now I kind of like I'll watch a few of their fights but I try to stay away from it because I don't like it getting into my head a bit bit too much and then you build up these expectations and sometimes they don't even happen on the night. So, what I do is I send my opponents to my coach. Um he he reviews them and he makes a game plan and then we work, you know, on what he thinks needs to be worked on for the fight. Like I don't really like getting too obsessive over um working tailoring something towards an opponent. I feel like like when you're professional maybe you know it would make sense, but when you're amateur anything can change and the K1 is so high pace as well. So, like for this one, obviously, we're working a bit more clinch and stuff like this. Um, but like I said, I kind of just keep keep away from that because I don't like getting too bogged down on on my opponents in case it just gets to my mind a little bit, you know? >> Yeah. And I think you're better off focusing on yourself rather than someone else because >> at this stage at amateur, >> I think it's essential in your development that you're able to develop a style. So when we know you go pro, this is the way you go. Like I said, when you go pro by you, obviously you're going to be getting paid and stuff. You're getting more money. It means a lot more. Whereas >> no one will really remember your amateur record except for you and and a couple of select people when it gets need to be a bit more >> games that like that. Not but not completely tailored, but you have to be a little bit more cautious. But it's going to be a fantastic fight. I'm really looking show. I will be at the show as well. It's going to be up in Dublin. Oh, not up in Dublin. I'm traveling from Dublin to Belfast. Um, is there anything you I'm going to let you go. Is there anything you want to say before you go or anyone want to shout out? I want to thank you again for your time. I'm looking forward to to being there in person to see you fight cuz we met you at the media day last week which was a bit of cracking as well. H you don't see a lot of that going on for the show. So, fair play to me. But like I said, anything you want to say before you go or anyone who want to shout out? >> Um, I just want to say thank you for having me and a big thank you to all my sponsors as well. I have an amazing SNC coach, Rory Oconor, and and Kevin Hendrickk who takes care of my body and obviously everyone in team KF, you know. Um, but no, thank you so much for having me and thanks to all my sponsors as well. Yeah, >> perfect. Thank you very much. I will see you. I want to say it's two weeks out now. Is it two weeks out? >> Yeah, >> just just under two weeks out. I will see you there. It be your pleasure to watch your fight live. You're going to be the main event. It's going to be a really really good card. I think there's tickets still available. I don't know if you have some personally. If your friends or family go to >> Yeah, I have last 10 golden golden tickets left. So, if anyone needs any, just give me a show as well for them. >> Yeah, >> I know there's limited. >> Yes, there's limited. It's actually after selling really. I've talked to Mel and she said the sales has gone really well, but there is tickets. So, if there's people like that that aren't maybe affiliated with you, contact the page. There'll be tickets there as well. So, yeah, it's going to be very, very good show. I'm really looking forward to it. Thank you very much for joining me. >> Thanks so much for having me. Enjoy enjoy your Sunday. >> I will I will have one two more interviews after this.