Courtesy Sherdog.com
Kujala’s rise in the ranks of MMA started with winning the “Upcoming Glory” MMA tournament; which gave her the opportunity to fight in Strikeforce in the United States. She was able to hang with top 135 pounder Miesha Tate for two rounds but lost the decision.
Although her Strikeforce stint was only for one weekend; Kujala dream continued and has been fighting as often as she can. She also has been bringing this enthusiasm to her country’s female fighters through regular open mats and seminars.
Kujala talked to Wombat Sports about her experiences, her upcoming fight, and her crusade to bring more women into the sport.
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Courtesy ShoSports/Esther Lin
Maiju Kujala: Personally I consider that particular fight as a huge under achievement so that setback made me go back to basics, to make sure that is the last time something like that happens. Failing and overcoming that failure truly made me a better fighter, it showed me what to improve and what my attitude should have been and in a way it gave me a direction on what the level is on top of the rankings. I noticed I’m not that far away . In addition I got some very good contacts, an easier situation to book fights and made many good friendships.
Wombat: European WMMA has been growing by leaps and bounds for the past few years. Has it helped you get more fights?
Kujala: European scenery of female MMA is still very different from what you have in the US soil, but I’m glad to see things are moving forward. It for sure has helped me getting more fights but there is still a problem with the lack of European female fighters. Many promotions are not willing to book fighters overseas so it’s always difficult to find opponents not to mention ranked ones.
Kujala with Finnish Fighters at Her MMA Camp
M.K.: Yep, I decided to solve the problem myself instead of having to listen whining about not getting female fighters as sparring partners. I’m instructing a seminar once a month, there’s no participation fee and the seminars are being held across the country. I’m glad so far I’ve had good response and several gyms allow us to gather together at their gym and train together. I’ve also had plenty of offers from several gyms to invade their premises and I’ve had a lot of support from female fighters outside of Finland. I’m striving to get more women competing, and so far there are a couple of talented warrior ladies, and I want to make sure they start competing.
W.S.: You have a match coming up this weekend with Juliana Carneiro Lima at Revolution Fighting Champion MMA in Lebanon. Do you know much about your opponent?
M.K.: I know she has nasty striking and goes for takedowns, so it’ll be a good fight. I’m really looking forward to fighting in Lebanon .
W.S.: How has it been traveling around the world to fight?
M.K.: In a way it’s always tougher to travel abroad, prepare for the fight there and usually fight in front of your opponent’s home crowd. I’m not complaining though, those are marvelous experiences, I’ve made wonderful friendships fighting abroad and nowadays it feels luxurious to fight in Finland.
W.S.: You have several fights already set up after this. Are you hoping that the cage time will help you learn quicker?
M.K.: I truly see it as an advantage to gain more experience and eventually implement everything I’ve learned and pursuing to finish fights earlier.
W.S.: Anyone you want to thank?
M.K.: I need to thank my coach Mikko Suvanto, my manager Jukka Paananen and my team mates at MMA Imatra. I also would like to thank my other sparring partners at MMA LPR and FFG. This is an individual sport but without them I would be nothing. I also need to emphasise the gratitude I feel to my siblings, beloved chap and family.
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You can follow Maiju Kujala on Twitter - @MaijuKujala.
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