National MMA Fighter Competes Wearing Di Biase Hair Extensions
Amanda Bobby Cooper – Show Number – UFC 218
We sat down with Pro MMA Fighter, Amanda Bobby Cooper to talk to her about what it’s like to be a fighter with hair extensions. Amanda wears Di Biase fusion extensions put in by stylist Melissa Blosser from Teresa’s Salon in Brighton, MI. We wanted to find out how hair extensions have helped her in the ring and what it means to her be a female fighter. Amanda will be competing in UFC 218 on December 2nd at Little Caesars Arena in the Strawweight Class.
How long have you been fighting for? How did you get started with UFC?
Growing up, my dad was a boxer and he got my two older sisters into boxing, so I’ve been around it my whole life. Then when I was in 6th grade, this girl pushed me, and I didn’t do anything. I talked to my dad about it afterwards and decided that I never wanted to feel helpless ever again, so I started boxing. Although I’ve never had a fight outside of the ring, I knew that I needed to learn to defend myself.
I was a two-time golden gloves Michigan champion in 2010 and 2011. Then my dad convinced me to start MMA in 2011. He basically called and told me that he signed me up for a match and I jumped right in. That first match, I knocked the girl out. It was totally different from boxing and I loved it. I had 11 amateur fights and then became an MMA Pro Fighter in 2014.
In 2016 I was on a reality show called The Ultimate Fighter Season 23. I was a finalist but then lost in the final round. Although it was crazy and stressful at times, I’m glad I had the experience. Throughout my years, I’m most proud of the personal growth and changes that I’ve been though. I tried other things, but nothing made me as happy as being in the ring.
What is it like to be a fighter with hair extensions?
Since day one, I’ve always trying to promote being a girly girl that can step inside the cage and fight well. On a day to day basis I feel pretty boyish, but when I go out to my fights, I want to be beautiful so having hair extensions really helps with that. It shows the young girls watching that you can be both tough and feminine at the same time. My coach Tim Farr always says that fighting well starts with looking good, or “Look good, feel good, fight good.” That’s why you must be confident with the way you look.
How has getting extensions helped your hair?
Because I’m in the gym all the time, my hair is sweaty and up in a ponytail for most of the day. Before I had extensions, it was open to breakage but since I’ve had extensions in, they’ve been protecting my natural hair. It’s almost like the hair extensions save my hair from the damage. Each time that I’ve worn them and especially within the last 6 months, my hair has improved overall. Lengthwise it has grown out, and it’s become fuller. Before extensions, my hair was broken, and I had patches that were missing but now its healthier and longer than ever before.
What’s your favorite part about having hair extensions?
My favorite part about Di Biase extensions is that they are so versatile. I’m always wearing gym clothes so when I go out, I finally get to put my hair down, literally! It makes me feel like I can be two different people. I love to wear my hair down and curly and show it off. I feel beautiful with them.
What do you want people to think when they see you train and fight in the ring?
More than anything, I want people to be entertained. I want people watching to be impressed with the amount of skills and heart it takes to be a top-level fighter. However, I don’t need to prove to anyone that I’m tough, I know I am, so I fight to prove that the other girl isn’t tough. It’s heart that truly wins fights.
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