Fighter Talk with:
Lindsey “Damsel” VanZandt
Female professional fighter- 5-1
26 years of age
Gym: Precision MMA
Hometown: Wappingers Falls, New York
Hey Lindsey, Tom Evans here from Regionalfightsports.org here to congratulate you on your big matchup at Bellator MMA June 14th at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York City! Also Congratulations on your recent win in february improving your record to 5-1. Here you are a Girl from New York and getting an oppurtuinty to fight in the FIGHT MECCA of the WORLD! Madison Square Garden!
The Madison Square Garden ring made its debut appearance on Dec. 11, 1925, in a card that was topped by a world light heavyweight contest between defending champion Paul Berlenbach and former and future champ Jack Delaney.
Famous Fights at MSG-
Jack Dempsey vs. Bill Brennan December 14th, 1920
Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Jake LaMotta October 2, 1942
Joe Louis vs. Rocky Marciano October 26, 1951
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier, "The Fight of the Century" March 8, 1971
Roberto Duran vs. Benny Huertas September 13th, 1971
WrestleMania I: Hulk Hogan and Mr. T vs. Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff March 31, 1985
Mike Tyson vs. Mitch Green May 20th,1986
WrestleMania X: Shawn Michaels vs. Razor Ramon March 20, 1994
Arturo Gatti vs. Wilson Rodriguez March 23rd, 1996
Riddick Bowe vs. Andrew Golota July 11, 1996
Holyfield vs. Lewis March 13, 1999
Larry Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy vs. Alonzo Mourning April 13, 1998 (New York Kicks)
Bernard Hopkins vs. Felix Trinidad September 29, 2001
Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah June 9th, 2007
Rangers vs. Devils line brawl March 19, 2012 (New York Rangers)
Canelo Alvarez vs. Rocky Fielding December 16th, 2016
Madison Square Garden has also been the site of three Democratic National Conventions and one Republican National Convention. It also has had landmark visits from Pope John Paul II (in 1979) and Pope Francis (in 2015); Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy in 1962; and Frank Sinatra’s “Main Event” concert in 1974 and the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame concerts in 2009.
Is there anything you took out of the last bout with Tabatha Watkins?
Thanks so much. Yes, I took a lot out of that fight. There's always something to work on. I realized I need to believe my hands more.
How'd you get in to martial arts?
I started Tae Kwon Do when I was 7. Then I started BJJ when I was 13. Then I had my first Muay thai fight when I was 18. That is when I knew I wanted to fight for a living.
What does it mean to you to fight like a girl?
The same it means to fight as if I was a guy.
You'll be taking on Rena Kubota (8-2) on June 14th, Madison Square Garden at Bellator. What do you think of Kubota as an opponent?
I respect her game and I'm ready for whatever.
What do you anticipate your emotions will be fighting in your home state at the famous Madison Square Garden? What will be the key factor in staying calm?
Its just another fight and I'll take it all in after I get my hand raised.
Regardless of the outcome of this fight, what are your goals in this sport?
To become the world champion and to be known as one of the best atom weights.
What is your educational background (High school, College, Trade Etc.)?
I have my Bachelors in Nutrition and Dietetics. I am also personal trainer.
What advice can you give to young upcoming female martial artists?
I would say believe in yourself and keep going know matter what, because your going to have days that are frustrating and hard but you have to overcome adversity and roll with life's punches. Eventually all that hard work will pay off if you put you everything into it.
HERE ARE SOME FUN QUESTIONS…….
Favorite Food to eat right after a fight- Pizza and a Bagel with cream cheese the next morning
What will be your walkout song- That's a surprise for June 14th
Favorite Candy- Reese's
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up- a farmer
Favorite Martial arts strike- Elbows
Any Sponsors, Managers or people in your life you would like thank leading up to this bout?
Prime management, my family, friends, and teammates and anyone else who has helped me along this journey. Especially, Hope Akerly my massage therapist, Kings of Fitness my strength and conditioning program, Ashburn Family Chiropractic, Hudson Valley Wellness my nutritional specialist, Adams Fairacre Farms, and my gyms Precision Martial Arts, Stockade Muay Thai, Pure MMA, Nick Catones, and Renzos.
How can supporters buy Tickets?
Hit me up, or visit Precision MMA in Poughkeepsie.
Would you be interested in signing autographs to children in RI at our Family Fun day event August 3rd. ☺
Yes of course I'll put it my calendar. <3
Thomas M, Evans- President of Operations for #RFS #DIDYOUKNOW
www.rfsscholarships.org
scholar@rfsscholarships.org
Sources:
http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17993238/best-ever-fights-madison-square-garden
https://www.sportingnews.com/g00/us/boxing/news/history-of-boxing-at-madison-square-garden-canelo-rocky-ali-frazier-msg/1smt5a1x32c8s18f8rscdegs09?i10c.ua=1&i10c.encReferrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8%3d&i10c.dv=13
http://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/17993238/best-ever-fights-madison-square-garden