As Professional Mixed Martial Artist Kim Couture prepares for battle at XFC 11, she gave us a few moments out of her busy schedule to discuss life as a business woman, fighter and mother in what has predominantly been a “man's sport”.

WF: Hi Kim! I really appreciate you taking time out of your schedule to talk to us. How are you doing?

KC: I'm currently cutting weight so I'm a bit out of it, but other than that, I feel great!

WF: You seem to be an extremely busy woman. How often are you able to train with your schedule, and who are your coaches?

KC: I train five to six hours a day; two sessions a day. My coaches are Dennis Davis and Kui Gonsalves. My sparring partner is Jessica Rakoczy, world champion boxer and part of my team “The Vixen Crew”.  I also worked with Wanderlei Silva as well as Randy Couture for this upcoming fight.

WF: Those are some amazing people to be working with. What/who inspires and motivates you?

KC: The girls from my team inspire and motivate me. They all have more experience than I do with combat sports. They're also single mothers, juggling life, training, everything; they are my biggest cheerleaders!

WF: How was it for you switching from business woman to pro MMA fighter?

KC: It adds good balance for me, actually. I don't think I'd have as much going on if I didn't have both. When I'm having a rough day with the business end, I get a good workout in and feel great; after that the stresses of the business aren't that big of a deal.

WF: What skills have you really honed in on and improved since you started MMA?

KC: From the start I've been training stand up and ground together. The time I've put in, my experience, has really helped me along the way. I've been training for six years and fighting for three. I've had access to the best coaches in the world. I would get two or three workouts in a day, in between my work schedule. I started Xtreme Couture from the ground up: built it, managed it, developed the clothing line and supplements. I worked at least 6 days a week while fitting in my training in between. And now I'm doing it all over again with my own gym, clothing line, training equipment and management skills. My new 20,000 square foot training facility will be “Vixen Crew Combat Club”. We're still a good 12-15 weeks away from being finished, but I'm in no rush.

WF: How does your children feel about your fight career?

KC: My 15 year old son loves it! He's very supportive, always wants to take pictures during training and put them up on facebook. He's always talking to his friends about it. My 13 year old daughter, although supportive, is a bit scared by it, especially after I suffered a broken jaw in my pro debut. She usually won't watch my fights until after it has taken place and I've won.

WF: How did your nickname come about?

KC: The guys at Xtreme Couture gave it to me; they said I don't sugar coat anything, that I'm “Sugar Free”. Randy loved it, so it stuck.

WF: What are your thoughts on the direction that women's MMA is heading?

KC: I'm doing everything I can to open doors for women. I'm starting up my own promotion again so there are more opportunities to fight. Women need to be put up on a platform to get their skills out there. We need to work together and back each other up so we can continue to grow in this sport. Women tend to tear each other down, but if they smarten up, we can all grow together.

WF: What has been your toughest fight to date?

KC: The fight against Kim Rose. I had to fight about fifteen minutes with a broken jaw. That was tough to get through.

WF: What is a major goal of yours within MMA?

KC: To continue to push things forward and create positive attention. I definitely don't need to be fighting; I want to show I am passionate about it, like my girls.

WF: What is a major goal for you outside of MMA?

KC: I'm focused on my business right now, to get my gym “Vixen Crew Combat Club” going. I've already sold two franchises and I don't even have my main gym up & running yet! I want to continue educating people, both men and women, on the sport itself. It's grown so much, people definitely know more about it now, but we can continue to push forward.

WF: What do you like to do for fun?

KC: I love to golf. In the winter, I love to snow board. I have a Chopper, so I take that out when I can. I play basketball and sand volleyball. I also rodeo a couple times a week near my house in Vegas.

WF: Would you tell me about your “Vixen Crew”?

KC: It started sometime last summer between my training at Tap Out and Wanderlei's gym. I met some awesome girls. They had more stand up experience, I had more ground. I wanted to bring it together, get the best of both worlds. It's great sparring with the guys, but it's really nice to spar with women. You get a closer sense of what it's really going to be like when you step in the ring or cage. I wanted to help bring a balance to my girls with their training and single motherhood. We get the kids together and have fun. We've become a family.

WF: I read that you have a reality show in the works. Can you share anything with us about that yet?

KC: It's a bit premature. We were in a bidding war, and now are down to the top two bidders. After my fight, we will make a decision. The show won't be focused on fighting, but it will be a backdrop because it's what we do. I'll be teaching about business and giving a branch to each of my girls. It will give them experience and set them up for the future; something to look forward to for them and their families. We'll be sharing our passion of the sport and give an inside peek about how we do it.

WF: What differences do women bring to the table when they corner their teammates?

KC: I've always only had men in my corner. For this upcoming fight, I've added Jessica Rakoczy to my corner, but the guys in my corner – we've been through thick and thin. My girls have loved having me in their corner. It's been a really fun journey.

WF: Do you have any advice for up & coming female fighters?

KC: Stay persistent, be strong and train your mind! 75% of it is mental. Controlling your mind is an important factor; everyone can be taught the rest.

WF: How are you feeling about your fight tomorrow night?!

KC: I feel strong, healthy, ready to go, and confident. I can't wait to get in there!

WF: Best of luck tomorrow night Kim! Thank you again for your time. Would you like to thank anyone?

KC: I'd like to thank everyone! My girls, kids, family, coaches! I feel my best right now, my camp has been good! I'd like to thank Master Chan, my secret weapon coach. Unfortunately he will be unable to make it due to last minute passport issues. I'd also like to give special thanks to Wanderlei and his wife, who've been very supportive. They gave me full access to their gym and anything I needed. They've been awesome!

WF: Follow Kim on facebook and for updates on the fights happening tomorrow night, check out our XFC Play-By-Play.