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Debi "Whiplash" Purcell Interview A Glimpse Into HER World
by Tracey Graham
It’s impossible to talk about women in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and miss her. She is an undefeated MMA fighter and a black belt in Vale Tudo. Debi takes a break in her training to share her thoughts, opinions, and who and what drives her. Visit her website at www.fightergirls.com for interviews, resources, and anything regarding female fighters.
Her accomplishments include: First woman to ever compete and win in King of the Cage. Ultimate Wrestling World Title Belt holder, Hook-n-Shoot Revolution winner, 2002. Headlined the first ever all female NHB card in US. Ultimate Wrestling Minnesota winner, Black Belt Ruas Vale Tudo and Tae Kwon Do, Nevada State TKD Champion.
Q: How were you first exposed to the Mixed Martial Arts?
A: I was introduced to MMA back in the first UFC when I was training in a gym in Huntington Beach with some of the first competitors. I was fascinated. At the time, I was just doing Kickboxing, Boxing, and JKD. I started BJJ about 7 years ago in a TKD school with one of the Gracie’s, from there I went into submission grappling, and then finally into Vale Tudo - everything started to make sense.
Q: How long have you been training?
A: Almost 15 years
Q: What arts have you studied? Kickboxing, Boxing, JKD, TKD, BJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Vale Tudo.
Q: What does your training schedule encompass? Twice a day, sometimes three times a day. It changes a lot depending on my mood, and my hair - ha ha. Sometimes I swim (which ruins my hair color); sometimes I run; sometimes I lift weights. I always keep my training diversified in stand up, ground and wrestling. For me, I do not want to be one-dimensional, EVER. As of late, since I have not been fighting, I am working a lot of technique and drills, trying to change my game and make it better.
Q: What would be your top recommendation(s) for those interested in exploring and growing in MMA?
A: (takes deep breath) I feel that before ANYONE competes in MMA, male or female, they should train AT LEAST a year. It is really bad with the women right now, as we have some women fighting professional with only a few months of training. One cannot be proficient or well rounded in the game of MMA with a few months of training. I would like to see a big Amateur division for the sport of MMA for males and females just like Wrestling and Karate. A place for people to compete safely, and gain experience and grow with and in the sport. I am hoping someday soon to help that happen, as I feel our sport will never be accepted as long as the smaller promotions keep paying untrained fighters a few hundred bucks to step into the ring or the cage. I know I am going off on a tangent, but it is something I really believe in, and I want to see our sport become accepted into mainstream. Perhaps then, the big shows can afford to pay the professionals what they are actually worth. It is sad to me that one of the most exciting sports in the world, is looked upon as a thug fest. An incredible athlete viewed as a mere thug is just disappointing.
Q: Why MMA?
A: It combines everything I have been training for most of my life. It really is an exciting sport, it takes so much skill and there is always so much to learn that one could never get bored.
Q: What is the most important part of your training?
A: The mental aspect. Always reminding myself why I train and why I compete in this sport.
Q: Who has influenced you the most in your training?
A: Marco Ruas. In addition to teaching me physical skills, I have learned a great deal about myself as a person.
Q: Outside of those that have directly contributed to your training, who has influenced you the most?
A: My mother - a very giving and kind person. Although I do not always succeed, I try very hard to be like her.
Q: After you started training, did you begin to look down on guys who don't train, or who can't seem to be able to defend themselves in a brawl?
A: NO. I have never thought about it like that - I think I relate to guys who train a lot easier. But I do not look down on people who do not want to participate. This sport is not for everyone. When I was younger that was of some importance, but now I’m hoping to never be in a brawl.
Q: If you are training BJJ for self-defense, have you ever tried anything a little more realistic than simple sparring? If so, how "realistic" was it and how did it affect your confidence level and the perception of your skills?
A: Personally, I do not think training only BJJ is an effective art for complete self-defense. Of course, that is only my opinion. I was in many real street fights when I was younger. I was only training in kickboxing back then. I did well. But it’s been years since any of that has happened. I try to avoid situations like that today. It has as much to do with your attitude and your state of mind as it does with your fight skills.
Q: What are the things you don’t like in your training environment? Why?
A: Sometimes it is hard training with only bigger men, I think I sustain more injures then most because of it. But there is not a lot I can do, its either train with them, or don’t train. I chose the first. Of course, NO guy wants to tap to a girl, or get shown up by them, it gets annoying at times having to deal with that. That state of mind usually comes from the non-pros, or the newer guys. The pro fighters, or guys who have been training a while, already KNOW they are good. So for them, it’s just training.
Q: In the place that you train, do you feel that you are part of the team or always on the outside looking in?
A: I am one of the lucky ones, as I know a lot of women often feel like outsiders in their gym. Marco has always made me feel a part of the team. Being the only female has small disadvantages, but I have nothing to complain about, as I am treated very well.
Q: Do you think that there are times you are not given access to the same amount of training because you are a women?
A: NO, I get all the training I need. Finding my size sparring partner is sometimes a problem, but I definitely get all the training I need.
Q: Do you think that there are times that you are given extra access to training because you are a woman?
A: LOL. No, I do not sleep with my trainer. So that extra access to training does not apply to me. I do get extra training from my boyfriend, but that is different, as he is not my main trainer.
Q: From your perspective, would you rather watch two women fight a competitive but less skilled match or two men fight a competitive but more skilled match?
A: I’d rather watch two skilled people fight any day.
Q: Do you think that for the most part, women are far below men with regards to skill in combat sport today?
A: Not all women, but yes a lot of them are. We have been doing it a shorter time.
Q: If yes, do you think that they will ever catch up?
A: Yes we are well on our way for sure.
Q: Do you think its wrong of people to not want to pay to watch women's fights if the decision is based on talent?
A: NO. I do not think its wrong. I do not want to watch or pay to watch women fight either, IF they have no talent/skill, but I know many of you have paid and still do pay to watch some MEN with little talent/skill fight, so please do not contradict yourself. ;-) In my opinion, it is false to assume just because you are watching men fight they automatically have talent and skill. Just as ignorant as it would be to assume that if a female is on the card she will have no talent or skill. I am not a person who feels that women should be give opportunities just because of gender. I feel people should be given opportunities due to performance. I will say one more thing about female fighting then close. I am not 100% sure why this is, but it is fair to say that you will not see a boring female fight. The women come to fight and always give it everything they have. Exciting fights are what bring in the fans. So to exclude those would be a disservice to the sport.
Q: What’s in the future for you?
A: This year I hope to fight in Japan, and take on a long time waiting opponent. I am also working on an infomercial, which will be released sometime this year. I would also like to do more seminars, and maybe teach.
Thanks Debi! Good luck with all your endeavours!
* Article by Tracey Graham.
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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