2012 FIGHT! Girl Search
2012 may be over, but it’s not forgotten—especially for the 11 beautiful ladies of our FIGHT! Girl Search. Vote now for your favorite, and the winner will grace the pages of our mag with a photoshoot and 5-page feature spread. And don’t worry, there are no electoral colleges…popular vote wins, so don’t ever accuse us of being undemocratic.
Vote now! Check out all the contestants below and cast your vote to the right »
Joanna Smith
Age: 22
Height: 5’6”
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Favorite Fighter: Forrest Griffin
How did you become an MMA fan?
I do promo work for Bud Light and Absolut Vodka at Tilted Kilt, which is a sports pub that shows a lot of the UFC pay-per-views. I’ve also worked at Wild Bills in Atlanta, and they have live fights. Lots of great fighters have come out of there.
What’s your favorite thing about mixed martial arts?
The sport is so intense—the blood is crazy. I also love the walkout music. You can tell a lot about the fighter from his choice in music.
Do you have any fight moves?
I used to do kickboxing and karate. I quit at green belt. I did it mostly to meet cute guys [laughing], but I can still land a roundhouse if I need to.
Erin Hansen
Age: 30
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada
Favorite Fighter: Anderson Silva
What got you interested in MMA?
Rich Franklin. He is the reason I started watching it. I think most girls would agree! But now my favorite fighter is Anderson Silva. He is Amazing!
What was is like growing up in a small town in Canada?
I love being from a small town because everyone knows everyone and we look after each other like family. We’ve also got great schools, really friendly people, and very little crime.
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! Girl?
I love MMA, it’s the fastest growing sport in the world and I would love to represent FIGHT! I consider myself a very nice, genuine and honest person, and I get along with almost everyone I meet. You’ll rarely catch me without a smile on my face!
Nicole Pietrontone
Age: 22
Height: 5’2”
Hometown: New Providence, NJ
Favorite Fighter: Georges St-Pierre
How long have you been modeling?
About three years. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and when I see myself in a magazine, it proves to me that I’m accomplishing my goals. There’s no better feeling than that.
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! girl?
I’m a huge fan of the sport. I love MMA. It takes a lot of heart. Not everyone can train, prepare, and get in that cage. Being a FIGHT! girl is like being part of the team.
Do you have an MMA connection?
I know a lot of people that are part of the Ricardo Almeida and Renzo Gracie team. My boyfriend is also an MMA fighter, Dante Rivera.
Lauren Shawe
Age: 20
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Swindon, England
Favorite Fighter: Pat Curran
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! girl?
I think it portrays a really healthy image for females. In fact, your girls always look healthy and go against the stereotype of models being stick-thin and unhealthy. I really respect that.
How long have you been modeling?
I’ve been modeling full time for just over a year, but I modeled part time for about two years while I was in college. I love it because it gives me the freedom to travel and work on exciting projects. A typical 9 to 5 job wouldn’t suit me right now. I’m too wild to be tied down.
What do you like about MMA?
MMA is so complex and lively. It’s always exciting. I really enjoy going to the Cage Rage events in England.
Brittany Elizabeth
Age: 24
Height: 5’7”
Hometown: Manhattan, Kansas
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! girl?
I love MMA—it’s really intriguing to me, and the girls are always so hot.
What’s the most exciting aspect about MMA?
I’m pretty feisty myself, so getting to watch a couple of tough guys duke it out is really exciting to me.
How long have you been modeling?
I’ve been modeling for the past four years. I love everything about it—wardrobe, hair, makeup, and meeting new people. I belong behind the camera, and I’m working hard to stay there.
What’s your best feature?
My eyes—just kidding, definitely my bootay. Thanks, Mom.
Brit Bliss
Age: 24
Height: 5’3”
Hometown: Olympia, WA
Where are you from?
I grew up in southern Ohio, just outside of a city called Zanesville.
What is your best feature?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between my butt and my eyes. I think it depends on who you ask.
Who is your favorite fighter?
I know this isn’t original, but I love GSP! One, he’s hot, and two, his technique is just fantastic.
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! Girl?
I can’t imagine anything more badass than being featured in FIGHT! Magazine alongside the nation’s hottest fighters!
Kristal Hammond
Age: 25
Height: 5’10”
Hometown: Perth, Western Australia
How long have you been modeling?
I’ve been modeling on a part-time basis for about six years for magazines such as Maxim and FHM, as well as competing in Miss Universe and Miss Bikini World.
Who’s your favorite fighter?
Chuck Liddell—he knows how to pack a punch and isn’t all mouth.
What do you do for fun?
I usually relax by bringing my dog to the lake or by taking my dirt bike out for a rip.
Why are you interested in being a FIGHT! girl?
I love the sport. I do a lot of boxing for personal fitness, and I’ve been a ring girl for an Australian promotion. It’s the best seat in the house. Other than the adrenaline rush you get from being so close to the action, I love all the different styles and techniques.
Amanda Paris
Age: 23
Height: 5’3”
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Have you ever done any mixed martial arts?
Besides my P90x kenpo workout, I haven’t practiced martial arts since I was a kid.
What are your other hobbies?
I’m a musician. You can check out my music at AmandaParis.com. About six months ago I also launched my own handcrafted jewelry line, Lux Bead Co. I just love to create things that others can enjoy.
What’s your favorite thing about MMA?
The intensity in a fight. Getting to watch two fighters meet who have been training day in and day out to have it all come down to one match.
Who is your favorite fighter?
Joe Lauzon because not only is he an incredible fighter, but he’s a nerdy gamer that can fight. How can you not like him?
Maureen Chen
Age: 28
Height: 5’5”
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Where are you from?
I was raised in Taiwan, but I moved to the U.S. in 2008.
What’s your favorite thing about the States?
I love hamburgers...Five Guys and In-N-Out.
What kind of modeling work have you done?
Commerical films, spokesmodel, trade shows, magazines...a little bit of everything.
How do you stay in shape?
I do Tae-bo, cardio, and a lot of crunches with 10-pound dumbbells every day.
Why do you want to be a FIGHT! Girl?
Because the sport is so fun, and it would be cool to represent such an awesome company!
Mel Jordan
Age: 25
Height: 5’6”
Hometown: Gold Coast, Australia
How long have you been modeling?
About three years. I’ve done a lot of work for FHM, and I’m an Official Monster Energy Girl.
What would you say is your best female feature?
My eyes or natural double-Ds
How do you stay in shape?
I go to the gym one hour a day, five days a week
How do you like to relax and have fun?
I love the beach, movies, cocktails with my girls, or just down time at home with my man and puppies.
Why are you interested in being a FIGHT! girl?
MMA is a strong, competitive sport, and that’s just like me, minus the sport bit.
Ebony Page
Age: 23
Height: 5’8”
Hometown: Mandurah, Australia
What do you like about modeling?
I enjoy the rush I get before and after a shoot.
What’s your best female feature?
I would have to say my bum.
How do you stay in shape?
I like to do all sorts of sports, including MMA, wake boarding, surfing, tennis, weights, running, rowing, and rock climbing.
How do you like to relax and have fun?
I like to chill out with a barbecue and drink with mates while listening to good tunes
Who is your favorite fighter?
Soa “The Hulk” Palelei. I’ve seen him fight live. He’s awesome. I know why they call him “The Hulk.”
