Christine Toledo talks about the move from fighter to match maker for Lion Fight Promotions

Earlier this year Lion Fight Promotions made their debut as one the premier Muay Thai organizations in the United States. They have brought international talents such as Cosmo Alexandre and Gregory Choplin to compete in the United States as well as showcasing some of America's best fighters. Scott Kent along with former fighter Christine Toledo are the master minds behind Lion Fight Promotions.

Muay Thai Authority was able to catch up with the promotions match maker Christine Toledo and chat a bit about the transition from fighter to being a part of such a game changing promotion. Lion Fight Promotions is preparing for "Battle in the Desert 3" on August 20th in Primm, NV.

MTA: You are the match maker and one of the moving forces behind Lion Fight Promotions. How did you get involved with Lion Fight?

Christine: Scott and I are good friends and have been for quite some time now. We share the same interest and hopes for the future of Muay Thai. Often times, we've discussed how we could help Muay Thai grow and help fighters in the U.S. gain an advantage in the sport, as many talented athletes in America do in the sport they are dedicated too.

MTA: You have put together some very exciting match-ups bringing in international talent such as Cosmo Alexander and Gregory Choplin plus many notable U.S. fighters. How do you decide on match-ups, do you say I want this fighter on the card and try to match him up with someone, or is there other things that come into play?

Christine: Without going into too much detail because this can be a pretty lengthy answer, what I can tell you is that there are a few factors that determine match ups including: a fighter's marketability; a fighter's ability to perform and gain crowd reaction; a fighter's skill level and technicality, a fighter who can showcase the art of Muay Thai in their fighting style. Oh, and let's not forget costs, that's a big one - it all adds up when you absorb the costs for travel, medicals, and purse for each fighter.

MTA: Being a former fighter yourself, what do you think is easier putting together a fight card or training and fighting?

Christine: Training and fighting most definitely. You only have to focus on yourself, and there's only one thing you should be thinking about - getting ready to fight.

MTA: What was the main reason you stepped away from fighting?

Christine: Time. There are too many things I have to deal with right now that don't allow me put in the hours I used to.

MTA: Do you ever intend on competing again?

Christine: I would like to. Time will tell.

MTA: Do you think having been a former fighter gives you an advantage when creating match-ups?

Christine: Yes. Essentially, anyone can be a match maker, but to be exceptional you have to know the game, have a good connection in the Muay Thai network internationally, know the different levels that fighters are on, and understand what styles make a good, fair fight. Sometimes you have to take risks as a match maker - not every fight will turn out to be what was expected - some worse; some better. I'm still learning as I go.

MTA: When deciding on fighters to have on your shows are there any qualities that you look for in particular?

Christine: Talent being a given, other qualities would include: respect, honesty, good spirit, character, ticket sale hustler, loves Muay Thai. As a side note, I prefer it when fighters have managers or are sufficient enough themselves to communicate with and can respond to requests or inquiries in a timely manner.

MTA: If someone wants to fight on a Lion Fight Promotions fight card, what is their best course of action?

Christine: To call or email me. It helps me a whole lot when I can get more information on a fighter - fight videos, photos, list of past opponents, title and ranking, training background and the usual info (fight record, lowest and highest fight weight, height, trainer, training location, age,...). I can't make any promises to anyone, but if a fighter is persistent and keeps me updated on their fight career, names will start to stick.

MTA: What is the easiest part of being a match maker and what is the hardest?

Christine: Hmm,... I guess the easiest part of being a matchmaker and possibly the most fun, is brain storming matches. After that (when I initiate contact, make offers, go into negotiations,...) is when things start to get complicated and it feels like my world begins to crumble. Even after fights are confirmed, there is always the possibility that a fighter will have to cancel due to reasons such as injuries, emergencies, personal issues. In general, there is always the possibility of something going wrong and we have to deal with the situation as best we can. There are a lot of ups and downs from beginning to end, only to conclude with the best feeling of all - success and accomplishment in putting together a pool of world class talent and continuing in the efforts to gain improved recognition for the sport of Muay Thai in the U.S.

MTA: If you could put together any fight in the entire world with any fighters and no money restrictions, what fight would that be?

Christine: Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Giorgio Petrosyan, Full Muay Thai Rules. "The Doctor" vs. "The Boxing Computer". Southpaw vs. Southpaw. Two technically sound Muay Thai fighters of today's generation.