When the book is written on the history of mixed martial arts, there will undoubtedly be a chapter reserved for injuries. In recent years, championships have been lost due to injuries from training, and in all likelihood, that will happen again. In a sport where broken hands, cuts, hyper-extended limbs, and concussions are the norm, fighters need every line of defense against injury they can find. On the night of a fight there is no better added line of defense for a fighter than a good cutman … expect maybe a good cutwoman. Nearly a decade ago, UFC cutwoman Swayze Valentine started on a journey that would lead to her being the first line of defense for many fighters in the gym, as well as in the UFC cage.
I recently had the chance to talk to Swayze about her beginnings in the Pacific Northwest, her experience becoming the first female cut-person in the UFC, and fighter safety.
You are based out of the Pacific Northwest. How has the rich mixed martial arts scene in the region helped you throughout your journey as a cutwoman?
“The Pacific Northwest is where I started my journey. There were several gyms that welcomed me to wrap hands for sparring sessions as well as several promotions that accepted me and let me practice the craft of being a cutwoman. Without these outlets, I would have never progressed they way that I did. The promotions [in the Pacific Northwest] really helped me build a solid foundation and I am forever grateful.”
Fighter wellness can at times be overlooked in mixed martial arts. Hand wrapping and greasing down fighters is a huge injury prevention step. Would you consider cut persons the first line of defense to fighters?
“I absolutely feel that we are the first line of defense. A fighter needs to be protected [as well] as possible before, during, and after their fight. I believe without these critical steps, the fighter is at a huge disadvantage. Without a proper hand wrap, for instance, a fighter can break his or her hand, and that can be devastating to their career and have immediate and lasting effects on them and their family … Most fighters don’t get paid until they [go] pro so [they] need their body protected at all times … It is my passion to give the fighters the highest standards regarding their safety. That’s what I love about promotions like the UFC; fighter safety is ALWAYS their number one priority.”
You have said in the past that you exclusively wrapped hands for about three years. Knowing your experience level with wrapping, are there any fighters who specifically request you for wraps?
“I do get a lot of requests for hand wraps and it makes me feel amazing! I feel that mastering hand wrapping is the best first step to understanding and respecting fighter safety … for me wrapping a fighter’s hand is one of my favorite parts [of being a cutwoman]. Not only is it an amazing honor, but that is [when] you get to spend the most time with them and really build trust and a relationship with the fighter. When you work cuts, you still get the great feeling of keeping them in the fight and keeping them safe, but you lose the one on one. Your time with the fighter in the ring or cage is different but equally rewarding.”
You made waves by becoming the first cutwoman to work for the UFC. Was that always a goal for you? How has this achievement changed your career?
“It has been a ride! I love being able to work on the biggest stage in the world … [Becoming] the first cutwoman to make it to the UFC has really propelled me into the spotlight. Many may think that is the best thing to happen, which in a lot of ways, it is. I have been blessed with a lot of other amazing opportunities because of it. But being in the spotlight also comes with many challenges and a lot of pressure. [Regardless of the pressure] the beautiful thing is I get to do what I love wherever I go, whether it is with UFC or another promotion, and I love it!”
Follow Swayze on her twitter page, @swayzevalentine
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