mma / News

Janaisa Morandin Says Invicta Debut is a Dream Come True

March 23, 2017 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas
Invicta FC 29, Invicta FC 32

Janaisa Morandin spoke with MMAjunkie ahead of her Invicta debut against Jinh Yu Frey at Invicta FC 22. Some highlights are below:

On always being a striker: “My mother said I always liked fighting, hitting other people. I think this comes from when she was pregnant with me. She used to stay up at the crack of dawn watching Mike Tyson fights.”

On getting into martian arts early: “I started training muay Thai at 13, and fighting at 16. And by 18, I was invited to debut in MMA. For that, I needed to learn other martial arts. That’s when I moved to the state of Santa Catarina (in her native Brazil). I left my family behind. My boyfriend and I made the move together, and that’s how I got started in MMA.”

On having douters early on: “At first (MMA can be) very difficult for women. So it’s been a problem since the start. Also, since I’m tiny, blonde, with light eyes, I never looked like a fighter. When I started teaching classes, I had some difficulties, especially with men (taking me seriously).”

On her family being supportive: “I wouldn’t have made it this far or accomplished so much. My mother, father and brother are my strength. Everyone who knows me, knows that they keep me motivated in this fighter’s life. People know that an athlete’s life isn’t easy in Brazil. We have no money, and we have to train and hold a job at the same time. It’s not easy. Without the strength, pride and belief that my family has in me, I wouldn’t be here today. Today, I fight to make them proud. They are my foundation.”

On her Invicta debut: “This is much more than a fight to me. It’s a dream come true. I’ve been following Invicta since their first event. Fighting in Invicta has been my dream. After I signed the contract, especially to face one of the best in the weight class, I had a great sense of accomplishment. Whether I win or lose, it’s already a great accomplishment for me. But of course, she’s one of the best in our weight class and an excellent striker. I’m debuting without pressure. I know I’m facing one of the best. But I’m here to prove that I’m one of the best too. I think we’ll strike until one of us drops. I’m giving my blood. No matter what happens, I’m making this dream come true.”