BAARS EAGER FOR MORE BIG MOMENTS IN LION FIGHT RING
After a long and prosperous career, fighters are often able to look back on the body of their work and come away satisfied with their results.
Many times, they can also look back on one singular moment of that career that stood out from everything else. Such is the case with the longtime reigning "Queen of Muay Thai" and Lion Fight Women's World Welterweight champion Jorina Baars. In March of 2014, Baars squared off against Cris "Cyborg" Justino, universally recognized as the "Baddest Woman on the Planet." Baars was a heavy underdog despite her background in Muay Thai compared to Justino's main focus being MMA. Amidst the glitz and glam of Downtown Las Vegas, Baars proved everyone wrong, dominating Justino and capturing the World title belt she still wears today and is focused on defending at Lion Fight 68 in Glasgow, Scotland. The Dutch star will face England's Claire Clements in the title showdown, one of four belts on the line as LF68 airs live exclusively worldwide on UFC Fight Pass on Sunday, August 22.
Baars took some time to talk about that epic fight and what's to come in Scotland. Q: How often are you still asked about the "Cyborg" fight and how often do you look back on what is generally considered the biggest moment of your career? A: Almost in every single interview or when new people come to my gym they always talk about my fight with "Cyborg." And they are always ask me questions about that fight. So I think that is one of the most important fights in my life for my career.
Q: You are one of the longest-reigning LF champions of all time. Are you particularly proud of your time in Lion Fight with very decisive wins in your title defenses?
A: I'm so happy and thankful that I can fight on the highest level of Muay Thai with Lion Fight. I had a few good title defenses and I'm looking forward to the next one on the 22nd of August.
Q: How excited are you to be returning to the LF ring starting off against Clements?
A: Wow, I'm so happy to step back in the ring and facing Clements on 22nd of August. I haven't fought for almost two years now. It was so good to have the focus back and work my ass of during training camp. I'm sharp and very focused for another title defense.
Q: As a long-time fighter, can you talk about how you have kept your skillset at a high level for so long?
A: I think the most important thing is having fun in what you do. I have a really good team around me that they really takes care of me. I've worked with them already for 24, 25 years. They are open to working with other coaches and make me better and better. I still learn every day. And I think it's important that the fighter is open to improvement.
