We recently caught up with 2-time Fight 2 Win veteran and New Jersey native Fiona Watson as she gets ready to take on Dallas, TX native Karen Lingle in a 120lbs black belt no-gi match tomorrow night at Fight 2 Win 91 in Farmingdale.
With 2 matches under her belt already on the Fight 2 Win competition mats, the “Harley Quinn” of BJJ surely will be one to watch against her fellow vet, Karen. Read on and see what Fiona has to say about this match, her history in BJJ, and how she feels to compete in front of her hometown NJ crowd.
Hey Fiona, thanks for talking to us. Let’s start with how you got introduced to BJJ.
I got introduced to BJJ by my first Professor, Gazzy Parman. I was doing the striking arts most of my childhood, and she suggested I try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and taught me the majority of my foundations under her close guidance.
What team are you on and how would you describe the atmosphere?
My team is Fight Club BJJ, and i train at my academy Notorious MMA. I have been training with Fight Club BJJ for the past 6 years. One thing that is special about my squad is the family atmosphere. We all train hard together every day. We have so much love and respect for each other on and off the mats.
Who are you outside of jiujitsu?
I am Harley Quinn outside of BJJ. I enjoy doing yoga, eating dessert foods, and traveling outside of BJJ.
What’s your greatest grappling accomplishment so far?
My greatest accomplishment was being invited to EBI 12 (the first female ebi) and now EBI 18 that will take place on Dec 9, 2018.
You’ve competed in Fight 2 Win how many times? What keeps you coming back?
I have competed in F2W two times already and this Saturday it will make my third time. I really enjoy competing on the stage, and I prefer the rule set for NoGi F2W allowing most submissions.
Which was the memorable match for you so far?
My most memorable match was against Pati Fontes at IBJJF Gi Pans in 2018.
How does F2W differ from typical tournament competition for you?
I like that F2W allows basically allows all the submissions for NoGi, and I like that it’s a single superfight on a stage with all your fans watching, I also like the show vibe.
What are you looking forward to this weekend?
I am looking forward to competing in New Jersey, where I live, in front of my family, students, and fans. I’m always traveling to compete so it’s exciting to be competing at home.
Any predictions on how you will win?
I predict to win my match this weekend by leg lock.
If you had to give one message or piece of advice to your fans who follow you, what would you say?
My message to my fans is to always enjoy the journey! Train as hard as you can every day, and never give up on your dreams. Can’t wait to perform this weekend!
