One woman stands alone atop women's mixed martial arts. Her name is Gina Carano. Right now, her fame (not her record) has made her the most popular name in women's MMA. On Saturday, at EliteXC's newest CBS event, Kelly Kobald is going to try and knock Carano off that mountain.
At 16-2-1, Kelly Kobald has made a career and name for herself at small venues and smokers (underground shows) around the country. She went undefeated in her first 17 fights, only losing her two most recent to two of the top competitors in women's MMA.
The self-proclaimed "brick shit-house" Kelly Kobald is ready for her shot at glory. "I've worked hard and I think that I've earned this shot," she said in a recent interview at Brunette's Gym in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she trains with Mike Reily and Team Bison.
"I've been at big shows before, so I don't get starstruck. I'm ready."
There is nothing aggressive about Kobald as she is being interviewed. She seems to have a permanent smile and no nerves about the upcoming nationally televised event. But there is something underneath her smile that can only be described as a fighter's mentality. There is a confidence and acceptance of what is coming.
Even though Carano has only had six mixed martial arts fights, Kobald is quick to remind us not to forget "that Gina has a lot of muay thai kickboxing experience, too...but all of her fights have gone to the mat."
A fact that may be her greatest advantage as Carano is a known striker with limited ground skills. "If I could, I'd rather start the fight with her in full mount." For those that aren't familiar with this MMA and BJJ term, it is when an opponent is startling you somewhere between your stomach and your chest.
That's confidence.
Perhaps it comes from experience. Perhaps it comes from training with the heavy handed strikers at Team Bison, such as undefeated and fellow EliteXC fighter Brett "The Grim" Rogers. Perhaps it is foreshadowing.
One thing is for sure, Carano will have a fight on her hands and if Kobald's confidence suggests anything, a black mark on her perfect record.
Kelly Kobald would like to give special thanks to her sponsors: Big Black, Island Supplements, Athletic Performance Institute, Mike Reily and Team Bison, and MMA Overload.
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