Aussie Bec Rawlings to make UFC debut against Heather Jo Clark

AUSSIE mother-of-two Bec “Rowdy” Rawlings is determined to prove she’s more than just a big talker on Twitter.

UFC fighter Bec Rawlings training at the cataract gorge in Launceston.*SUNDAY TELEGRAPH **EMBARGOED UNTIL MIDNIGHT SATURDAY 23 AUGUST

BEC “Rowdy” Rawlings has vowed to unleash the skills and knowledge garnered from UFC star Gilbert Melendez when she makes her UFC debut on Saturday.

Speaking from Las Vegas ahead of her bout with Heather Jo Clark, Brisbane-based Rawlings said Melendez had a major influence on her career during his time as coach in The Ultimate Fighter 20.

Rawlings also credited lightweight superstar Nate Diaz for his impact as she prepares to take on fellow housemate Clark on the undercard of the TUF 20 Finale at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event will crown the first strawweight champion.

“Gilbert and the coaching staff were awesome for me. They get my style and my mentality leading into a fight,” Rawlings said.

“Just to be able work on my weaker points and capitalise on my stronger points, it was really great to work with them.

“I have definitely taken a lot from being able to train under them while I was in the house.”

Bec Rawlings has a 5-3 mixed martial arts record.

Melendez, who lost his title fight to Anthony Pettis in UFC 181 on Sunday, provided Rawlings with some of the skills and knowledge that projected him to No. 1 contender.

“He definitely showed me some cool stuff — to avoid the wrestling and he showed me some really cool tactics with striking,” Rawlings said.

“Mentally we really clicked. It was a kill or be killed mentality but there are ways of doing it smartly and I have been reckless in the past and I have definitely taken that away and I’m going to apply that on Friday night.”

Rawlings, who has a 5-3 MMA record, steps into the octagon after a decision defeat to Tecia Torres in TUF 20.

“I feel I got ripped off the third round,” Rawlings said.

“It was a good fight and a close fight. She’s more of a pointscoring fighter whereas I’m the complete opposite; I’m looking to finish the fight. I want to finish my opponent so everyone knows I won.

“It was definitely a game of tactics with Tecia and I fell into her game. I fought a little bit emotional and fell into her cat and mouse game.

“I’m quite disappointed in myself for that. I’ll never go into a fight with emotions ever again.”

Rawlings lost by unanimous decision in her last fight.

Rawlings said her next opponent, Clark, is a “well-rounded” fighter.

“She’s not super excellent at any skill set, she’s just good at everything,” Rawlings said.

“I’ve seen her fight Felice (Herrig) in the house and I got to train with her once or twice until she injured herself and she’s tough. If I was to give her a quality it would be durable.”

Asked if she was confident of winning her UFC debut, 25-year-old Rawlings replied: “Absolutely. I’m well rounded but I feel I’m better at everything that she does. And I’m tougher. I’m quicker and I’m faster and I’m tougher.

“I’m 100 per cent confident in myself and my skill set and my work ethic. I train my arse off and I’ve sacrificed a lot to come halfway across the world and leave my children and train the best in the world. I’ve done everything in my power to win this fight.

“I feel like my striking is far more superior to hers. I feel like I can be quicker and I feel that she’s not evolving. She doesn’t look any better than her last fight whereas I feel every fight I’m getting better and I’m improving and that’s where I feel I’m going to get the win. I feel as though she’s stagnant.”

Rawlings with her sons Zake and Enson.

A mother of two, Tasmanian-born Rawlings has racked up plenty of frequent flyer points while basing herself in San Diego for regular five-week camps with Alliance MMA.

“I definitely do a lot of travelling. It’s not fun but it’s worth it in the end,” Rawlings said.

“It’s the sacrifice you have to make. It’s not nice having to travel across to the other side of the world but it’s got to be done.”

Rawlings has considered basing herself in the US but she is determined to cement her place in the UFC strawweight division first.

“I’d certainly like to be able to move the family over here so I don’t have to leave them. I love Australia and I love living in Australia but the gym and training facilities just aren’t up to par with what you get in America,” she said.

“Eventually I’d like to move here and train full time but until then I have to keep battling.”

Rawlings is both “excited” and “nervous” for her debut in what she describes as the best MMA promotion in the world.

You think the @ufc is ready for this rowdiness? I know someone who ain't 😉😝 #UFC #IllEatHerSoul #DontPokeTheLion pic.twitter.com/O67AOt8LUu

— 'Rowdy' Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) December 4, 2014

And she is determined to prove the critics wrong.

“It would really solidify my spot in the division and it would shut a lot of haters up that feel I’m only good at social media. I feel that I have to win my debut. Losing’s not an option,” she said.

Tune in details:

The Ultimate Fighter 20 Finale

Saturday, 11am, Fox Sports 2