Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kaillie Humphries considers MMA career

QUEBEC CITY – Her expertise may come on the bobsleigh track, but 2010 and 2014 Olympic gold medalist Kaillie Humphries says she would consider transitioning to a career in MMA.

The Canadian has absolutely no background in martial arts, but she follows the sport, specifically the UFC, very closely – so much so that she was invited to attend Sunday’s TUF Nations Finale open workouts in Quebec City as a special guest.

Tristar Gym head coach Firas Zahabi led an MMA demonstration with UFC fighters Rory MacDonald and Francis Carmont, as well as Humphries. Although she had never thought seriously about an MMA career before, Humphries says the hourlong training session opened her eyes to a whole new world.

“It’s not something I considered until today,” Humphries told MMAjunkie. “I know how much work and dedication it would take. I know I would have to give up bobsleigh to come do this full time and be able to perform at a world-class level.”

The 28-year-old knows what it takes to start a sport with no experience and work up to the highest level. While bobsleigh obviously greatly differs to the harsh environment of a professional fight, Humphries thinks she has the complete package needed to succeed.

Not only is the natural athletic talent and willingness to work hard there, but Humphries also feels she has the personality and look that would allow her to flourish into an MMA star.

“That’s what makes it a good fit is that it’s believable,” Humphries said. “My image and brand fits with the UFC’s image and brand. I would never do it just because other people want me to or think it would be a good idea – that’s definitely not why I would do it. I know what it takes to be the world’s best and you can’t go in relying on anything but pure determination and sacrifice.

“It would take a while to reach the top, but I wouldn’t want it any other way except for that.”

Humphries got into MMA through her parents, who own two pet cats named Tito and Rampage. Her natural desire for competition drew her to the sport as a spectator, but after finally hitting the mats and putting some MMA techniques to work, her outlook changed from viewer to participant.

“To train and be coached by the world’s best was very cool,” Humphries said. “They broke the steps down and all the details and how to link them together. It was a lot more intense than I ever anticipated. There are definitely parts that I could supplement bobsleigh training with. It was fun and exciting, and that’s the point of sports, so I would definitely look into something like that.”

It may be fun hit some pads or drill a few kimuras, but an actual MMA fight is a dangerous situation for everyone involved.

It takes a certain type of mental psychology to excel in the sport and not everyone is able to obtain a “kill or be killed” mindset. Humphries, however, says she’s more than capable.

“I think I could adopt that for sure,” Humphries said. “That’s why it’s so believable, because my image and brand is so fitting for a UFC fighter. I definitely believe I have the mental state to do this. Could I fit in? Definitely. It’s just whether I would be able to sacrifice and dedicate as much as I know it would take to be the best.”

Humphries knows that if a crossover to MMA ever did happen, she would likely be met with a fair bit of criticism due to her lack of experience in combat sports.

While she’s fine with that, Humphries wants to remind any potential critics that she has the utmost respect for the sport and is fully aware how badly one can be injured in an MMA bout.

That’s why she’ll only train part-time for now, but if the right situation comes together following her third bid at Olympic gold in 2018, an MMA career is certainly in the cards.

“It will be great to supplement my bobsleigh training in the meantime,” Humphries said. “If I ever lose that passion and dedication for bobsleigh this is definitely something I would consider.”