“[In Mini Mermaids, we] talk about positive words versus negative words, trust and honesty. You know, stuff they might not be getting talked to about at home.”
Hit Like a Girl THIS MMA FIGHTER HITS HARD AND TRAINS HARDER WRITTEN BY: ELISE EDWARDS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICK ISABELLA
EXPERT: Paulina Granados CREDENTIALS: MMA Fighter After high school, Paulina Granados found herself in a downward spiral. She had been an athlete her whole life, even winning an honor created for her called the “Energizer Bunny Award” for playing six sports in one year. But, once that stopped, she got bored and started experimenting with alcohol and drugs. That’s when she went on MySpace and saw a picture of MMA Fighter Gina Carano throwing a flying knee. “I was like, ‘Who is that and what is she doing?’ I started investigating the sport, found a gym and never left. It pretty much saved my life.”
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With her rigorous training, the 31-year-old doesn’t mess around when it comes to being in shape. It’s a dangerous sport and she knows firsthand how devastating the injuries can be. She’s had two surgeries, fractured her nose about three times, injured her meniscus, partially tore
her ACL and broke her orbital bone. “The doctor who did the surgery on my knee pretty much told me that I wouldn’t be able to do the intense stuff that I do now. When he was telling me, I thought, ‘You watch me. I’m gonna recover from this and be sprinting uphill.’ And I did.” That doesn’t make it any easier for her parents as spectators. “My dad doesn’t watch my fights. My mom watches and she makes my fight skirts. Growing up, she would make our clothes and I used to hate that she couldn’t buy us stuff, but now I appreciate it so much more. I know she makes those garments with love, and it’s what I go into battle with.” When not in battle, Granados enjoys going to the beach, doing “girly” things like getting her hair and nails done, and eating pizza and tacos. She also coaches high-risk kids through a program called the Mini Mermaid Running Club. “I talk to them about exercise and life stuff. The getting is in the giving. That’s what really makes me feel powerful.”
Birds of a Featherweight • When Granados became serious about training, she moved from Texas to San Diego to train at the Alliance Training Center because that’s where all her favorite fighters were. Natural Athlete • As a kid, Granados participated in multiple sports including soccer, track and volleyball. Just Keep Moving • On her recovery days, she makes sure to stay busy doing what she calls “active recovery,” even if that’s just taking the dog for a long walk. “Anything to keep me from being home and stuffing my face!” she jokes. PAULINA GRANADOS @paulinagrana2 Photoshoot Location: ALLIANCE MMA GYM 646 H St Chula Vista, CA 91910 619.947.6375 www.alliancegym.com
STATS:
10
Years Spent Training
5
Training Sessions a Week
5
Hours in a Training Session LOCALE MAGAZINE 49