The Happy Warrior Goes To Russia. A Q&A with Roxanne Modafferi
I was able to sit down with Roxanne “The Happy Warrior” Modafferi who is fighting in Russia April 20 for UFC St. Petersburg against Antonina Shevchenko. I was able to get a taste about how she feels about this upcoming fight and how she feels venturing into uncharted territory.
Q: How do you feel fighting the sister of Valentina Shevchenko, who is the current champion in your division?
Modafferi: “When I first heard my opponents name I thought it was funny and ironic because I want the title shot against her sister eventually but she is a different person, and I’m just tickled pink for the opportunity to fight again in the UFC.”
Q: When you heard where the fight venue was, did it take you by surprise? Were there other emotions you were feeling knowing this would take place in Russia?
Modafferi: “I still have to wrap my head around the location. I have not fought outside the U.S. in years despite traveling a lot for fights when I lived in Japan. I’m getting more excited by the day to be able to go to Russia. Fighting takes me to amazing places.”
Q: What do you think of Antonia’s fighting style and how it matches up with yours? Do you see any holes in her game? How do you feel about your own in comparison?
Modafferi: “I haven’t studied her fights yet but I remember watching one and she looked tough but I know I can handle anything that she throws at me. I have a superpower that can’t be measured by scientific instruments. My power level is over 9000!”
Q: How are you preparing for this fight? Are you doing anything different specifically for this fight camp?
Modafferi: “I have leveled up since my last fight. I have the best coaches at Syndicate MMA in John Wood and Mike Pyle. I have an excellent physical trainer Lorenzo Pavlica and stupendous training partners so I’ll be ready to smesh!”
Q: When you are not fighting, what are you doing with your freetime?
Modafferi: “I barely have time to sleep but I am super committed to teaching my kids bjj classes. I love Japanese anime and have caught up with My Hero Academia.
“Also I am trying to let them know about my books. I have written Memoirs of a Happy Warrior available on Amazon or signed from my website and my latest How To Postive; Mental Training by The Happy Warrior. I feel like it’s my calling to help spread positivity in the world.”
