I've been involved in Martial Arts since I was 18. I started kickboxing when I was 18. When I was 20, I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I have been a professional fighter since 1999. I got into Martial Arts originally so that I could have a positive outlet for my aggression and to learn a bit of self defense. I realized that I had an ability to pick it up naturally. It was easy to dedicate my life to it....
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| How do you pronounce your last name? |
TOW - Hill. I know tough-hill sounds cooler LOL but sorry. |
| How did you get into MMA? (Mixed Martial Arts) |
In 1999 I met my former trainer, Sean McCully, from L.A. Boxing. I originally only wanted to Kick Box, but within a few months we got a call from a show called, World Vale Tudo Championship 9. They needed a female fighter and I figured I'd do it because I had a background in Jiu Jitsu. The rest is history! |
| What is your fighting style? |
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Wrestling and Kick Boxing. |
| How long have you been training and how many fights have you competed in? |
Total Years Training: 11
Total Fights: 22 |
| What is your record? |
Pro Boxing: 7-3-1
MMA: 7-2-1 (4 KOs)
(See the Stats/Ranks page for more) |
| Which do you like better, Boxing or MMA? |
I love both equally. I believe I excel in both as well. However, I will end up pursuing the one that keeps me busiest and can help make people more aware of women's fighting. |
| What does your training consist of? |
At least 4-5 days a week. I train in Jiu Jitsu from 8-10 in the morning. In the afternoon I Box, Kick Box, and alternate between running and lifting weights. |
| Do you think women will be invited to the UFC / Pride anytime soon? |
I really hope so! I think it would be great and it would give women a huge opportunity to show what we're capable of. |
| What are your goals as a fighter? |
I am currently ranked #1 in the 155 -170 lb division in women's MMA. That is a spot I worked extremely hard for and I plan to keep that as long as possible. After fighting, I will continue to be involved as a trainer, manager or promoter. I am passionate about helping women overcome obstacles in MMA and plan to help promote the sport and keep it growing in a positive light. In boxing, I will continue to compete as long as great opportunities present themselves. I would love to be one of the first women invited to compete in the greatest MMA promotion in the WORLD, Pride in Japan. www.pridefc.com |
| Who are your favorite fighters? |
I love to watch Josh Barnett, Minotauro Nogeira, Mirko Cro Cop, Wanderlei Silva, Takanori Gomi, who are all Pride Champions! As for boxers, I love Mike Tyson, Arturo Gatti and Librado Andrade. There are also a lot of great female fighters. I think Amanda Buckner is tough as nails! Erica Montoya is pretty, feminine, and is a exciting MMA fighter. Female Jiu Jitsu blackbelt Kathy Brothers, is the most bad ass girl I have ever rolled with, and a really cool woman on top of that. Hisae Watanabe and is a great Japanese fighter and I recently saw footage of a woman from Brazil named Vanessa Porto who I thought was amazing. |
| Do you prefer training with the gi, or without? |
Personally, I like to train with the GI because it gives me the opportunity to become a better "technical" fighter. My game feels much tighter when I take it off. Of course, when I am training for Vale Tudo I do train without the GI as well. Usually right before my fights, otherwise with the GI It's a matter of preference and what you feel more comfortable doing. |
| Who do you train with? |
Paulo "Junior" Gazze, who is a second degree balck belt and highly decorated Jiu Jitsu competitor, is my BJJ coach. www.hbbjj.com I train boxing with Danny Zamora who trains super middlewieght champ and WBC contender, Librado Andrade. I train kickboxing with 5 time world champion, "Razor" Rob McCollough www.myspace.com/robrazor |
| How many tattoos do you have and what do they stand for? |
I currently have 9. I have my brother and sister's name on my forearms. I have a huge angel on my lower back. On my left shoulder blade I have a Japanese pin-up girl and a Coi Fish. On my right shoulder blade I have a Japanese Dragon. In the middle of my back I have the symbol for the punk band, "Black Flag". On the inside of my right calf I have clovers and on my left outside calf another angel. My newest tattoos are some Japanese kanji/words which were done in Japan after my last fight. On the right forearm is 'family' and 'love'. And on the left forearm is 'pride' and 'power'. I love Japanese artwork and art that represents my heritage, which is: Irish, Italian and Chinese. I've been getting tattooed for about 10 years and plan to get more. |
| Are you married? |
No |
| What is your favorite music? |
Growing up, my favorite music was Punk Rock - everything from Black Flag to Angelic Upstarts to Stiff Little Fingers. However, I have an eclectic taste. I also love Classical, Jazz and plain old Rock 'n Roll. |
If you didn't find the question/answer you were looking for, ! |
Erin's Bio:
I believe women can perform in this sport just as well as the men, if not better. If I can be an influential force in other women's lives and encourage them to be involved in MMA, or to pursue something that is mainly male-dominated - then it will all have been worth it. My goal is to be the #1 woman in MMA fighting and to completely dominate the sport. 
One of the best parts of fighting is getting the opportunity to travel. I've been to Japan several times and also to Aruba. 