Fighter Interview Ashley “No Limit” Nee

1. You have been out of MMA for 3 years what have you been doing?

Well, first off I want to say I have still been training! During my hiatus I have gotten my purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, my second degree Black Belt in American Combat Jiu-Jitsu and still been doing a lot of Muay Thai! My main focus, however, has been helping my fiance with his school and improving my teaching and learning about running a business. My goal is to inspire other people to achieve their dreams and teaching really gives me a chance to do that. MMA does, too, though!

2. You have an upcoming fight tell us about it.

I will be traveling to Alabama for the first time for an MMA fight again Jessica Armstrong for a newer promotion called World Gladiator Fight League. I don’t know much about her or the promotion but I hope they treat the fighters well and it is a professionally run show. The promoter, Poppy Colon, seems to know what he is doing so I am excited to get involved with them.

3. How long have you been in MMA?

I started training in 2005 and competing in 2009 as a amateur.
4. What are your thoughts about the state of women’s mma?

Uh oh. Well, I think that the athletics in MMA are getting really good but we are SERIOUSLY lacking in role models for young women. One of students told me she was getting a Fat Headz or whatever it’s called of Ronda Rousey for her bedroom wall and I was horrified to think that is the person she is looking up to. I mean, fantastic, dedicated athlete but to me MMA is about sportsmanship, honor and respect so I think we are in serious trouble there. Please ladies, young girls are looking up to you, young martial artists. Set a good example.
5. What is your focus a Grappler? Or Striker?

That’s a funny question because when I started MMA I totally thought I was a Thai person and then I heard all these people saying I was the Jiu-Jitsu girl so I thought that was funny. Now it seems like people don’t know what to think so it’s like a secret which is kind of fun. Honestly I work really hard on both, I think it’s impossible to be totally equal. Your Thai gets really crisp, your Jiu-Jitsu goes down a little and vice-versa so I don’t really know. I guess it depends, if I know the girl I’m fighting is really good at grappling then I’m gonna focus on that to make sure I don’t get caught and if she’s a great kickboxer I’m gonna kickbox a lot but try to catch her on the ground just like anyone else would. I’m lucky to have a very well rounded school and training partners. Muay Thai was and always will be my passion though.

6. What gym are you affiliated with?

Proud to have always been with Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy in Matthews, NC just outside Charlotte. Team Jaguar, OSU!

7. I understand you are leaving the country tell us about it?

I am heading to Thailand which is my dream trip! I will be training at Tiger Muay Thai and MMA. I leave on Friday and I just can’t wait. I am excited and nervous and don’t know what to expect but like I said this is my dream come true.

8. What is your amateur record/professional record?

For MMA my record is 2-1 ammy and 1-2 pro. My overall record including JJ and Thai etc is 20-5.

9. How tall are you?

I’m 5’6!

10. How did you get your nickname?

I got my name because I don’t quit, ever. I always have to keep up with everyone even if they are better than me, in better shape or whatever, ever since day 1 I started training. Everyone around me believes there is no limit to how far I will push myself so one day we heard the No Limit Soldiers mentioned on TV and one of my coaches was like “Oh my god, that is YOU”, and that is how I got to be No Limit Nee.

11. What would like to tell your fans, family, supporters, and friends?

I want to tell everyone out there that you can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t listen to naysayers or haters or bullies or whatever you wanna call them. You just have to push yourself and believe you have no limits and don’t let anything stop you. And if you have obstacles and plateaus, which you will, just keep going and keep pushing and you will get there if you just never quit!

12. If you want to shout out to sponsors, family, friends, or anyone that supports you, let it out here.

I want to thank Sifu Scott Shields for teaching me everything I know and supporting my endeavors! Scott Shields Team Jaguar for helping me train and the constant support, especially Danny Burris, Erin DeBarardinis, Andy Puchalski, Mitch Hendrix , Shane Robillard and Bill Graff for helping me train for this fight and find sponsors and taking care of all the details so all I have to do is worry about training and fighting. Most people do NOT have the luxury of such an amazing team! And a big thanks to my sponsors, check them out guys, No Sequel Fightwear (www.nosequelfightwear.com) for some really nice clothes (One Life, NO SEQUEL), Pustaver Chiropractic Care, Advanced Therapy and Bodywork and Alphagraphics Matthews! And a big thank you to my mom Tracy Blesy for all the support!

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