Molly competed in Kauai's first ever female kick boxing match against Kauai girl Rhiannon.  

KMA-What did you think of your fight on Kauai? What about your opponent?

Molly-As far as the fight itself I felt I could have done better. I think I hesitated too much, I was holding back and I don't know why. Rhiannon was so tall, it was hard to get in close enough. Not even my male training partners are that tall. But I am really happy with the win, and I just take each time as a learning experience. It was really fun - a lot different than MMA. Rhiannon was a very nice girl and I hope to see her fighting again soon. I give all female fighters respect. Knowing personally how hard it can be just to be a female and TRAIN in the sport, any girl that makes it through the training in a male dominated sport and is actually willing to get in the ring has proverbial balls in my opinion.

KMA-You have some pretty well rounded skills. You have competed in NAGA, kick boxing and MMA. What are some of your goals in martial-arts?

Molly-Obviously taking on new personal challenges, growing and learning more about fighting and myself. There is always something more to learn, you never get to the "top". Ultimately I really would like to get a women's class going and hopefully, eventually create an all female competition team. It is really important to me to encourage other women to take control of their lives. I think by training in sports like this it gives women confidence to attain their goals, whether it be competition, self defense or personal goals. Step out of the gender boundary and realize there are no limits but what we put on ourselves.

KMA-You tapped out some guy in NAGA and really made a name for yourself in the state, would you care to talk about this?

Molly-That was quite an experience! The only reason I entered the men's division is because I get tired or forking out the same money as the men and I'll be lucky to get one match. Also in prior years all the good prizes, like the belts, were only given in the men's divisions. I figured since I train with all men anyway, I might as well give it a shot. I didn't actually expect to beat anyone, much less tap someone out.

I didn't expect as much controversy as there was surrounding it. While I can understand how fragile most men's pride is, I think a man in the same situation should look at it as learning lesson rather than a blow to your pride. In my mind I feel like I am on the same playing field as the men - just another competitor. Whether that is actually true or not is a different story. I don't expect anyone to take it easy on me, especially in competition, especially in their own division. I doubt NAGA will let me enter the men's again....

KMA-How does your family feel about you fighting MMA and other martial-arts?

Molly-My family is extremely supportive about my fighting. My mom has a hard time watching my tapes and they have never seen any of my competitions live. Probably better that way - my mom would probably start throwing chairs in the ring if I lost :)

They know how important this is to me. I had a real rough past and they have seen how much it has changed me for the better. It's the first thing I have ever done that I can feel proud of. 

KMA-What are your feelings on women fighting MMA and competing in martial-arts?

Molly-I think it's great! I wish more women would train and compete. As I mentioned before, the best thing is that it gives a woman the confidence to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their goals. Women are unbelievable competitors, they fight with so much heart - not pride or testosterone driven. And they train smart, they apply technique more than brawn and really shows the beauty of the "art" in martial art.

KMA-What are some of the challenges you face being a woman trying to compete in a predominately male sport?

Molly-Besides getting no respect, no money, no fight opportunities (less than the men anyway), the hardest thing is not having other women to train with. Women fight so much different than the men and our strengths and weakness are different. They say you should train like you fight, but that's hard to do when you train with a different animal than you would be fighting. The good thing is that the men always keep me pushing myself. More often than not the men will always have the upper hand and I will always have to find ways to get around that and succeed.

The challenges I face outside the gym are mostly peoples perceptions of who I am or who I should be. Your either a lesbian or a femme-nazi or some kind of crazy violent chick. People are always trying to test you.

KMA-What would you say to a person who says that women should not fight MMA?

Molly-I would ask them to come to the gym and spar with me :)

Everyone is always going to have their opinion, you just have to accept it, just like they have to accept what I do. I try not to sweat the small stuff, but I stand up for what I believe in. Occasionally I invite debates about it and to this date I have not heard one valid reason why women should not compete. That kind of attitude is usually born from ignorance.

KMA-Anything you would like to say to your fans on Kauai or Hawaii?

Molly-I had a great time in Kauai, I love the place! Even though I got booed when I won, the people were so awesome and the fans were really into it. Thank you so much for having me fight in your town. I hope to come back soon, and I hope to keep representing Hawaii well in my future fights.