Katie Perez is set to make her Rizin FF debut against Kate Lotus on May 10th. Facing a rising contender like Lotus in one of the sport’s premier promotions presents a significant opportunity for Perez. Reflecting on this moment, Perez expressed her excitement, viewing it as a natural progression after consistent hard work. She acknowledged her past record, attributing some inconsistencies to her mental state during fights. However, she firmly believes her current skill level and training are bringing her to where she belongs, seeing this debut as a crucial next step rather than an endpoint.
Addressing the mental aspect of fighting, which is often cited as being more critical than the physical, Perez revealed she hasn’t worked with a sports psychologist but has actively focused on cultivating a stronger mindset. She noted that while fighters dedicate immense effort to physical conditioning, the mental fortitude often takes a backseat. Perez has battled imposter syndrome, finding it challenging to fully embrace the identity of a professional athlete despite years in the sport and dedicating her life to it. She attributes this partly to past self-worth issues and her journey to find herself through fighting, learning self-discipline as a form of self-love.
Previously, Perez admits to being hesitant and fearful of making mistakes rather than getting hurt. Her focus has shifted from the fear of failure to embracing the struggle and the inherent discomfort of combat sports. She has dedicated significant time to private sessions with her coach, where they discuss mental hurdles and “nonsense in the head” that can’t be addressed during regular training. Additionally, Perez engages in extensive reading, journaling, and self-reflection to actively confront and integrate aspects of herself she previously shied away from, aiming to be driven and ego-centric when it matters most – in the cage. She emphasizes that training should be a space for learning and stepping outside comfort zones, so that the cage becomes a familiar environment.
When questioned if this mindset carries over to her artistic pursuits like music, writing, and painting, Perez noted the distinct nature of fighting. While live performances in any art form can induce similar pressures of not wanting to let others down, Perez finds her artistic endeavors, particularly painting, to be more controlled. She can simply choose not to share imperfect work, unlike the public and immediate nature of a fight. She is working towards being more honest about her artistic process, sharing works in progress or those needing further refinement.
Regarding her journey to Rizin, Perez reflected on past opportunities with promotions like Combate, Invicta, and CFFC. She admitted that past high-pressure situations sometimes led to mental blocks. She acknowledged the significance of Invicta as a dream promotion for female fighters and her desire for more frequent fights to develop her skills. She found that by mentally framing opportunities like Combate as just another fight in a cage, she could alleviate some of the pressure. The Rizin opportunity came as a surprise, facilitated by her coach, who also serves as her manager and has built crucial connections within the sport. Team Phoenix, her small gym from North Carolina, has a reputation for professionalism and delivering strong performances, which has likely contributed to their positive standing with promoters.
Perez has also benefited from the wisdom of Mario Sperry, a legend with experience in Pride, a promotion that shared Rizin’s ruleset, including soccer kicks and face stomps. She attended a seminar led by Sperry through her gym’s affiliation with the Ginsburg Academy. These intensive weekends allowed her to spend significant time with Sperry, gaining insights into fighting in Japan, dealing with jet lag, and the sport itself. While she deeply respects Sperry and other high-caliber individuals she has encountered, Perez emphasizes the invaluable, daily access she has to her own coach, who she regards as a hero and mentor alongside Sperry and Professor Dave.
Looking ahead to her fight with Kate Lotus, a top contender in the super atomweight division, Perez expressed her desire for “beautiful violence.” While the fight is at a catchweight, a victory could position her well for the atomweight division, a weight class she finds an easy cut to. She is targeting a finish, stating she has never been a decision fighter and isn’t particular about how the fight ends, whether by strike or submission. Her objective is to fight with pressure and forward momentum, embracing her natural style rather than playing counter-striker. She believes her striking has been developing alongside her grappling, and overcoming mental hesitations on the feet is key to performing as a complete MMA fighter. Perez aims to embody “beautiful violence” in her Rizin debut, leaving everything in the cage and making herself proud, regardless of the outcome.