Controversial MMA Fighter Fallon Fox In South Florida
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Fallon Fox, a controversial mixed martial arts fighter, is in South Florida. Recently, Fox has made headlines as some critics argue she shouldn't be able to fight other women.
Professional mixed martial arts cage fighter Fallon Fox's biography is different from other female fighters in the MMA.
Fox was actually born a man.
"I am a post-operative transsexual female, which means I was born male. But, I had a transitional surgery to physically transform me from male to female and I feel great. I feel like the person I should've always been, and I'm happy that I'm here," Fox told CBS4's Summer Knowles.
Fox redefined the term "sit down interview" Monday as she took Knowles to the mat in what's called a "triangle hold."
Fox took it easy on Knowles, but in the world of mixed martial arts cage fighting she is not an easy opponent.
In fact, so far Fox has three amateur fights and two professional fights under her belt.
"I haven't lost a fight yet," Fox said.
Even though the Championship Fighting Alliance board has approved her to fight in the league, some people believe that Fox's history gives the fighter an unfair advantage.
"This shouldn't be controversial. But it is controversial because there aren't that many people like me," said Fox.
When asked if she physically feels different than when she was as a male she replied, "Oh, considerably. My muscle mass has decreased, my strength has decreased and my endurance has considerably decreased."
University of Miami Dr. Christopher M. Estes said the science is seemingly on her side.
"In a male to female transgender person, their hormonal profile will become more like that of a biological female. Also other changes in their muscle mass, their bone mineral density which would occur also makes them more like a biological female," said Dr. Estes.
Dr. Estes believes Fox belongs in the cage with other females, "As far as whether or not it's fair for her to fight other women, I believe she should be in the ring with other woman."
"I actually find myself at a disadvantage because I have low testosterone," Fallon explained.
Either way, female fighters have agreed to get in the cage with her and Fox believes it's just another evolution of sports.
"Just like blacks in sports, women in sports, gay people in sports, now its transsexuals in sports."
If you want to check Fox out for yourself, she will be fighting Friday, May 24th at the Bank United Center in Coral Gables. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and http://www.cfafights.com/.
