Calling fighting her euphoria, passionate about her family — get to know Jordan Kaaze before she makes her professional debut at Invicta FC 37 on October 4.
Jordan Kaaze, the ‘KamiKaaze,’ makes her professional debut this Friday in Kansas City, KS under the Invicta FC banner. We spoke to Kaaze ahead of Invicta FC 37, about how she got into MMA, her future and much more.
First of all, how did you get into MMA?
After graduating from nursing school, I was overweight and out of shape. I was athletic growing up so I wanted to find something I could stick with. I always tell people I ‘accidentally ended up at an MMA gym after I googled “beginner boxing classes near me.” I went to my first class and was hooked, I gradually started training muay thai, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu as well. After two years of training, I had my debut MMA fight [amateur].
Do you have any background in any other sports? If so, explain?
I was very active growing up. I grew up on a dairy farm and was also a four-sport athlete in high school (volleyball, basketball, softball, and track) and played volleyball my first two years of college before I started my nursing classes.
What is your career or would MMA be your full-time job?
Ironically, I work on a Trauma ICU as an RN. I have worked on this unit throughout my amateur career. Since turning pro, I have decreased the number of hours a week I work but still maintain my position. I love my RN job and I think it builds my character that I take into the cage. MMA may also be my other ‘job’ I have now but it will always remain my passion.
Who are you currently training with and who are some of your main sparring partners?
Most of my training partners are male and they are tough. They don’t take it easy on me nor would I ever want them to. I have certain training partners for standing and grappling, that don’t necessarily train MMA. I also train with professional females Kelly Kobold and Akeela Al-Hameed, who are just as tough if not more tough than the guys.
List of accomplishments such as titles, belt ranks, etc…?
2019 Class A TBA Muay Thai national champ
Blue belt in Jiu-jitsu
3 River Throwdown (promotion) first female champion defending the strap x3
What are your favorite striking and grappling technique?
Anything that sets up the finish on the feet or the ground.
You have one loss in your career. How did that change you as a fighter and what did you learn?
I learned that I needed further training after my loss. I vividly remember seeing everything after getting punched by Peralta… and, not in a good way. My focus left and I remember seeing people’s reactions in the crowd and the roar took over my corner’s voice. It felt like I had been shell shocked and I tried to refocus but it was too late. I switched to Spartan Martial Arts after that fight and have been on a six-fight win streak, finishing five of them. I feel like people either get discouraged or motivated by a loss and I was definitely motivated to never feel that again. I am well trained physically and mentally now. It will be hard to shell shock me like that again, I am battle-tested now unlike before that loss.
You’re making your professional debut next. What made your mind up on going pro?
It was a team decision, I knew in the back of my mind that turning pro was on the horizon. When I was given the green light, I wasn’t shocked or surprised, I just asked for the dotted line. MMA is my passion and I want stiff competition…why the hell would you be in the sport if you didn’t? Signing with Invicta FC will give me just that and I am excited to see how I perform under the new standards. Some people break under pressure, I perform better, more efficient.
You’re also debuting in Invicta FC. How did that deal come about and how excited are you to be on such a big platform?
There was the word from the grapevine that Invicta FC ‘wanted to know’ when I decided to turn pro shortly after my KO win against Lamonska that hit the internet and spread like wildfire. I knew I wasn’t going to rush it but also knew Invicta FC was my next level goal. When I actually received the contract, it was a sublime feeling and I am honored to be a part of such a stellar organization for females.
You’re set to fight Claire Guthrie coming up. What do you think about her as an opponent and how do you see this fight playing out?
Honestly, I could care less who is across the cage from me. With that said, I do my homework and watch the film. There is always a game plan going in but at the end of the day in my mind it is a fight and anything can happen. On paper, I seem like a one-dimensional fighter with all my finishes by TKO/KO but in reality, I know what I am capable of standing and on the ground. I have answers to anywhere the fight goes, I just tend to capitalize before it gets there. My game plan for this fight and every fight before and after this one is the same… finish.
If you weren’t fighting where would you be today?
No idea but I know that fighting has changed my life, I firmly believe I was meant to do this. I met my husband through the sport so I know MMA has already given me my greatest prize. I am honestly not that exciting of a person. I go to work, pay my taxes, train MMA, and try to spend as much time as I can with my family and close friends. My circle is very small and I love it. I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s.
How is the cut to 125?
No complaints, it’s just another job that needs to be done. I have fought my last 4 fights at 125 and have never missed weight. I feel healthy and optimal. People ask if I will make the drop to 115 and at this time, no… I don’t see a reason to and I need to stay optimal at my job as an RN. People’s lives are in my hands so I prefer to continue doing the weight cut thing smart and right. I don’t care if I am cutting 4 lbs or 10 lbs in 24 hours (I have done both), it’s still a bitch but a temporary one.
Still so young in your career, what is your end goal in this sport?
The same as any professional athletes… to get to the big show. I will have that UFC flyweight title in my hands before I am done.
Last question. Why do you fight and who do you fight for?
Fighting is my passion and it gives me feelings and emotions I only get when I walk to and from the cage. It is more than adrenaline, it is my euphoria. People always comment about getting paid to fight now that I am a pro. My thoughts remain the same…. money isn’t the motivator but my family is a powerful one. I fight for personal pride. The money goes to supporting my family, and I would burn the world down for them.
