Story By: King Eddie
ProElite will be reborn here in Hawaii on August 27th and on this pivotal fight card, local female fighter, Raquel Paahluhi, will make her stand against Olympic Silver Medalist, Sara McMann. Paaluhi is known around the islands as one of the most exciting and hardest hitting female fighters around. Mcmann, however, comes with her own acclaim. After all, being the first female to win the Silver medal in wrestling at the Olympics is a pretty big deal. But how will her skills convert? Paaluhi also has a strong wrestling base but also has furious hands and an ever evolving Jiu-Jitsu game thanks to Gracie Technics. This fight will definitely be one of the main draws to the event. Paaluhi:
“ I am not at all worried. Obviously I know she is a world class athlete and this will be a really tough fight. I’m aware of what she has done, but it is not at all a factor in this fight.”
Raquel pushes herself to the limit when it comes to her training. She is always looking for the next big challenge that will keep her prepared for whatever the fight will throw her way. Having mainly male training partners, Paaluhi holds her own just fine in the gym. And come fight time, once the cage door closes, she is a whole new type of animal. All of this is because she believes that the fight is won in the gym. That in order to defeat her opponent, she must defeat her own limits in her training camp.
“Each camp is getting harder and harder. That’s how it should be though. I keep training harder and keep getting better results. I have more bodies in the gym to train with. I have more experienced fighters to train with this time around.”
Paaluhi also attributes her preparedness to her father, David Paahlui, and to people such as Rylan Lizares, Jesus Salud, and Rob Hesia. And the also feels that the support of her sponsors, Hawaii United and DNO enterprises has helped her. But nothing matches the support of the fans. Paaluhi feels a large sense of responsibility now because of her status as a role model and public figure.
“ It seems like after every fight a father will come to me and tell me how much of an inspiration I am to their daughter. People even come to me at my work and talk to me about how I inspire them or their daughters. But I don’t just want to be known as a hardcore fighter. I want to be known as the person who does the right thing. No matter what.”
With a level head and heavy hands, Paaluhi marches into battle for Pro Elite on August 27th. It means a lot to her to be on the fight card that will re-introduce a once flourishing brand n MMA. It makes it all the more satisfying knowing that it is here in Hawaii. As always, Hawaii will be watching with proud eyes, as our local fighter attempts to topple the Olympian.
