Inga Birna Ársælsdóttir 0-1-0 is an Icelandic amateur Mixed Martial Artist. Representing Reykjavík MMA in Reykjavík, Iceland. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, S&C coach + PT 2x National champion, BJJ PN 1 certified nutrition coach.
An amateur competitor since 2015, Inga has competed at the IMMAF European Open Championship and is due for a second appearance in the cage at Evolution Of Combat 9, in a submission-only grappling match up.
I had the opportunity to catch up with Inga prior to the upcoming war against Amanda Schurtz at EOC 9, due to take place in Glasgow.
I would like to start this off by thanking you for taking the time to talk to me today. How is training going? I’d also like to congratulate you on your recent fight announcement with Evolution Of Combat.
“Training is going well and I’m both ready and excited for Saturday.”
On September the 11th you take on Amanda Schurtz, a purple belt in BJJ of the East Coast Jiu-Jitsu academy, in a submission-only grappling match. Have you had some time to study your opponent in the build-up to EoC9? What do you make of your opponent?
“I know some not much, there was a change of opponents last week because of injuries, so I recently got the match with Amanda, but I know she comes from a good gym, is an active competitor and some about her technique, so I’m really excited to compete with her, but I always put most focus on the game I will play and what I want to do in the match.”
Back in 2015, you competed at the IMMAF European Open Championship, in what was your introduction into fighting inside a cage. How do you feel about taking your skills for a second time around in this atmosphere?
“It was both a very interesting and amazing experience. Regarding grappling, I love competing in that field and I think it’s a fun twist that they match it in the cage.”
In 2020 you were awarded a great honour, not just in the BJJ world but for your country. Being graduated to black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu by UFC legend Gunnar Nelson. And the only female practitioner of your fellow countrywoman ever to reach this professional position. How does it feel to be given such a phenomenal honour?
“It is a big thing for me and I really can’t describe how much it means to me. Both for me personally and also to be a part of the bigger picture in the women’s BJJ scene in Iceland, the level is rising fast, which is amazing and I’m really proud to be a part of that.”
Does being around fighters such as Gunnar, Sunna Davíðsdóttir, Birgir Tómasson and many more extraordinary fighters make the cage a place you want to compete?
“They are very great athletes and people and it meant a lot to me to have had the opportunity to train in MMA with them in the past, but for me, the BJJ is my big passion.”
Last, but not least, do you have a message for the fans that are going to be in attendance in Glasgow on September 11th?
“I’m super excited to compete again and it’s a fun twist to compete in the cage. I’m well prepared and ready to put on a show. Let’s do this!”
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