This is Aaron East with MMA UK, and I’m joined this evening by Claire Lopez of Great Britain Top Team. It’s been a year since we had the opportunity to catch Claire in action, and the wait is finally over after signing on the dotted line with Invicta Fighting Championships.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with me again Claire.
And as huge congratulations on your return.
“Thank You.”
With such a long period out due to having your operation, it must feel incredible to be back?
“I have to say I ve been really patient, like I did in 2021 for my other knee. I am surrounded by good people, physios and doctors and they really took care of me to make sure I can get back to a high level.”
Your dedication to training is plain for all to see, as on my visits to the gym I’d always see you putting in the work, I bet you was straight back to training the moment you were medically cleared?
“Yes, I was allowed to get back to full training in january. That’s when I started training again. Obviously I had and still have to be careful, as we are only 6 months from the surgery but I train hard and am ready to fight.”
Image by bro_where_photo
It’s been an eventful time of late, especially when it comes to where your next port of call was going to be, with you being announced with Global Fight League.
But despite not being drafted, every cloud has a silver lining, that being your huge opportunity with Invicta. You’ve fought at some of the world’s most exciting promotions, but to be part of another promotion dedicated to the women of MMA must be an exciting notion for you?
“Yes of course there’s not a lot of promotions that have a big Atomweight division, but today my level allows me to knock at big promotions doors. When I started mma, I had to fight at Strawweight and gain experience, and get a name in the industry. Now, I have the opportunity to get signed to a bigger league. I’m legit, I’ve shown my skills against great fighters.”
Your dedication is definitely visible to see, and you’ve certainly made multiple statements in the cage, and have thoroughly earned your way to these opportunities.”
“Thank you.”
My pleasure Claire.
Is this a multi-fight deal you’ve made?
“Not a multi-fight at the moment as they told me “do one fight and if you like our promotion and want to sign we’ll make a contract, but first you will be able to come and see for yourself if you are happy to work with us”, and i love this. So we’ll see after that fight. I’m not gonna lie, I want to finish my career in Rizin japan, but i still have time until i retire.”
In our previous chats, you’ve spoken about the difficulties you face at your weight class, an issue you’ll not find now with the promotion having a huge Atomweight factor to the roster. Was this a huge factor in you signing with them?
“It’s always been something that I wanted to do: fighting for invicta. If you see, the best Atomweights in the world are at Rizin, One and Invicta. So this is where I belong. Invicta has a very good reputation for the level of their atomweight division, a lot of ufc superstars came from this promotion. I want to continue my path to the top 10 world ranking, and fight in the best shows. Even though I stayed away from the cage for the past year, I still wanna choose carefully in regards to the promotion i fight at. I will never choose to go to a small show just to have an easy fight. I want to be where the best fighters are, where the challenges are.”
I couldn’t agree with you more, Some tough competition there for sure, so you’ll certainly have plenty of challenges.
It’s a stacked division, so many top quality skill-sets, some huge potential bouts for yourself. Anyone in particular you’d like to meet in the cage?
“There is nobody in particular that I want to fight, I want to climb the world ranking so anyone they will put in my path I’ll take them. I’ve been calling Ana Palacio out for 2 years in combate and she always avoided me, now she’s in invicta so who knows… maybe we’ll meet one day. And tbh i want a rematch with Seika Izawa, their number 1 eventually, but i know i need to prove myself before i can get this opportunity, It will come one day.”
I remember watching your Seika Izawa, it was a couple of months after we spoke at the gym regarding your debut at Rizin, that would definitely make a huge fight down the line.
With your announcement, a date was also announced for your debut for April. Are you able to disclose your opposition’s name or are you yet to receive a name just yet?
“I’ve been given a name, but I can’t talk about my opponent just yet, but they will be making the announcement very soon.”
I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for that.
A debut is also a great opportunity for the fanbase to get to see new blood in action, what is your message to the Invicta crowd?
“My message for the invicta crowd: I’m very excited to come back to the USA and make my debut in a new promotion. If u dont know me, you will see that I’m not a boring fighter in the cage, so you won’t be disappointed watching me.”
One hundred percent, you’ve always put on a masterclass win, lose or draw.
with a new promotion, comes new goals and personal objectives. Have you set yourself some targets going forward?
“My goals are to climb the rankings, get a belt in one of these big promotions and still have fun. I love to fight, I love to travel with my son and this life gives me the opportunity to do it. I want to enjoy life and have quality time with my teenager.”
I for one look forward to your return, I wish you all the best for your debut and I look forward to witnessing your 2025 play out, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you again mate.
“Thank you, You too Aaron.”
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