Danielle Dunlop goes into her first amateur fight against Abbie McNiff. Although Danielle is training to become an MMA fighter, this fight will be contested in kickboxing.
Danielle took some time out to speak to The Sprawl and answer a little Q&A about her upcoming fight on Saturday, March 4, at the Grangemouth Sports Complex, Grangemouth.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to The Sprawl, Danielle. Could you tell our readers about the type of fighter you are?
I’d definitely say I was an energetic fighter, I definitely like to make my way about that cage! I see nothing wrong with having a great fight with someone you have respect for – have respect for me and I’ll have respect for you, that’s the way I see it.
You train out of Forza, Edinburgh. What is the vibe in the gym come fight week? Are there any fighters you train with?
The vibe in Forza is always high, me and all the other fighters bounce of each other. Everyone always pushes each other to our very last minute, it’s what we do. Forza is definitely a family MMA club, I can say that. I train with Armando and Enzo Parente, Gareth Stemp, Kimberly Gallaher, Ross Cooper and more.
On March 4, at Headhunters FC you fight Abbie McNiff in your first amateur fight. How has the mental preparation been ahead of the fight?
The way I see it, focus on something so much and if you want it, you’ll achieve it. I have a great team behind me, we always keep spirits high!
How much do you know about your opponent and her style of fighting?
Our fight has recently been set up as I had another one arranged but it did not go to plan. I can imagine Abbie is a great fighter and trains just as hard as we all do, but we gotta go for what we want. I don’t know her but have heard a lot of positive things about her club and I look forward to fighting her.
What have you been working on in the gym in preparation for the fight?
I think in preparation for my fight I’ve been doing what I would training every day: stand-up has always been the type of fighter I am, so just working hard on my combos, technique and speed.
You head into the bout with a clean slate, does that add to the pressure?
Definitely don’t think it adds any pressure, if anything takes the pressure off. I have a clean slate my first fight, all I can do is focus on what I know and what I’ve been taught best and do it to the best of my ability. Win or not, I’m excited to go out there and do what I love to do best.
Who will corner you for the fight?
Vincenzo Parente my coach will be in my corner for my fight. Kim Gallaher was always my girl in my corner as well but unfortunately can’t make it due to being unwell.
What does 2017 have in store for Danielle Dunlop?
I can happily say training my ass off and continuing on to getting better at what I love to do best.
Lastly, do you think women’s MMA in Scotland needs more of a push and do you see Joanne Calderwood as an inspiration?
Yeah, I would definitely say women’s MMA in Scotland needs a big push it’s hard as it’s hard to find someone to confirm a fight with. Especially in my weight category as a strawweight. There’s so much talent, just so many little people using it in my eyes. Joanne is big inspiration, especially being a Scottish fighter myself, it just pushes you more knowing there is that chance of getting to the best I can be if I just train and push myself.
