By Samantha Roberts, FightTicker.com Youth Contributor

When people discuss MMA one thing that tends to be avoided is the topic of females in the sport. Although we do have a few female fighters who have already established themselves really well such as Gina Carano and Tara LaRosa, I had the opportunity to speak with a very tough fighter who is working her way up in notoriety and not wasting any time doing it. Her name is Felice Herrig.

Herrig (aka "Lil Bulldog") was the 2005 & 2006 IKF Women’s bantamweight North American champion and the 2006 & 2007 W.A.K.O. Women’s bantamweight National champion. She also appeared on a reality show called Fight Girls on the Oxygen channel.

I had the opportunity to interview her by e-mail last week. Here are the highlights of that interview.

Fight Ticker: Being a female myself I know the challenges you face being in what a lot of people call a “men’s” sport. Does that bother you or does it motivate you further?

Felice Herrig: It definitely motivates me. I realize that it really is a man's sport. Not many females are into the sport or have what it takes to really succeed in it. So it really pushes me to do well and be a part of the small percentage of successful female fighters

Fight Ticker: If you could have trained at something different while you were younger, which would have you chosen? I wrestle myself.

Herrig: I have only been fighting for five years. I come from a family of five kids and always wanted to be in sports. I really wanted to do dance and gymnastics. When I was in high school I worked pretty close to full time hours. I earned my own money and always felt I had so much athletic talent that was wasted. I got involved in fighting because at age 18 it was a sport that was still available to compete in. From the day I started I knew I would make it to the top because I never felt I really had the opportunity to show my talents.

Fight Ticker: Who do you look up to the most as a fighter?

Herrig: I really respect all fighters because it takes so much courage to get in the ring. If I could only pick one though I would pick Georges St. Pierre. He is a well-rounded fighter with a great ground game as well as standup. He's in great condition so you know he trains hard and dedicates his life to the sport. Aside from that he is a great character. He shows professionalism and heart. When I think of what a fighter should be I think of GSP

Fight Ticker: With the controversy going on in Missouri, about banning youth MMA, do you think it will lead to more changes in the sport? If so, do you think we need them?

Herrig: Missouri isn't really a big fighting state so I don’t think it will have a big impact on MMA.

Fight Ticker: Who has been your toughest opponent so far and what made her so challenging?

Herrig: I’d say the toughest opponent was the girl I fought in Japan. I don’t really think it was the opponent though. It was more the situation. Going over there they did not want the Americans to win. They treated me very poorly so it was really hard to get my mind right in that fight, especially after the first round. I clearly won the first round and at the end of the round the ref took a point away from me, for no reason at all. It was made very clear to me that the only way I would beat her was if I knocked her out. It's hard to go back to your corner after the first round and know that know matter what, you are going to be robbed that fight.

Fight Ticker: Do you have any ambitions of training in grappling, or going to a organization like Bodog?

Herrig: As a matter of fact I have been training grappling and plan on having my first MMA fight very soon.

Fight Ticker: Who or what was your biggest influence in becoming a martial artist?

Herrig: Of course my dad. I have been watching my dad train in martial arts my whole life.

Fight Ticker: Which stand up style of training do you think is most effective?

Herrig: That all depends on the fighter. Each style can be effective if you have a game plan that works for you. I have trained and fought in kickboxing, boxing and muay thai. I take what I like from each style. For me I'm more of a brawler so boxing suits me well. For fighters who like to keep more range Muay Thai or kickboxing could be the most effective. I really think it depends on the fighter and who [is] their opponent.

Fight Ticker: When do you fight next and were can we see it?

Herrig: Right now I am hosting an MMA TV show called CombatWire. I do not have any fights currently lined up. But my next televised fight for the World Combat League will be airing May 4th on the Versus channel. It will be on at 5:00 p.m. Central time.

Fight Ticker: Thank you so much for your time -- I am honored more than you can imagine. Good luck in your next fight and your show as well.

Herrig: It was my pleasure.

(Photo of Felice Herrig courtesy of her MySpace page.)