Rosa Dembo, the nurse who entered the AFL cage following Lenne Hardt footsteps

A nurse by profession and a singer by vocation, Rosa Dembo analyzes her new role as the AFL MMA speaker

Interview

Nurse and singer Rosa Dembo (Valencia, 41 years old) became a social media star at AFL 29, making her debut as the presenter for Spain's premier MMA promoter. Of African father and Spanish mother, she put down roots in the city of Valencia. Her interest in sports awakened in childhood because her father loved football, and later she started practicing other sports like basketball and martial arts. Additionally, she skated for many years on the Valencia Roller Derby team until she first discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2008.

Career as a Speaker

When did you start as a speaker for AFL MMA?

I started recently. I debuted on April 29 at the first MMA event they held in Valencia, and that was when I introduced myself for the first time as a presenter in a cage.

Why did you want to be a speaker?

I've always liked MMA, and it was a great dream to be a part of it. The role of a speaker caught my attention because I'm a fan of wrestling. Then, when I met Lenne Hardt, who was the voice of PRIDE Fighting Championships in Japan, I was captivated.

I discovered Hardt through my partner and jiu-jitsu coach, Ezekiel Zayas. He told me that I should try being a presenter because I spoke very well, and on top of that, I have a good voice like Hardt. She is my great inspiration, and I always wanted to be like her. I've also worked a lot with my voice, attended singing classes, sung in groups, and performed individually. Soon after, I took theater classes to improve my performance as a speaker.

Rosa Dembo before entering the AFL 30 cage in Aranjuez, Photograph: Yhaicha Stibich

Why is Lenne Hardt your inspiration?

Aside from having an amazing voice, she has a very personal style, and also because she is a woman. Most speakers are men; there are few female speakers in the sports world, and the ones that exist are not very well known. So, seeing a woman as a speaker with a magnificent voice fascinated me.

As a woman, how do you feel working in such a male-dominated environment?

Honestly, I'm not uncomfortable because, as I train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (blue belt), I'm already accustomed to being surrounded by men, and I actually feel comfortable. Besides, the female audience in sports events is growing a lot; I see it as something natural.

Rosa Dembo sitting next to the jury at AFL 30, Photograph: Yhaicha Stibich

Do you prefer watching girls or guys fight?

Definetly girls. I wish we had more women interested in fighting. But, of course, I also like guys. My favorite part is when they go to the ground. Many people think this part is boring, but I love it. Striking is also great because without it, you don't have a show, but on the ground, it sparks more curiosity for me because while watching, I also learn from the fighter and then try to apply it in my Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes with my opponent.

What motivates you to be a speaker?

I work as a speaker, but I still feel like a spectator. Being involved in MMA had a great impact on me because I enjoyed attending the fights. Also, being there applauding the fighters also gives me great excitement because they are brave.

What makes you a good speaker?

Enthusiasm and taking it seriously. It's a job like any other, and you have to spend time preparing so that it goes well. For example, studying the fighters and what they like or working on my voice. But above all, enjoying it. When you enjoy the work you do, people notice, and I think that's why they enjoy it with you too.

What is the secret to maintaining a stable and healthy voice after exerting such great efforts as an AFL speaker?

Vocal technique is crucial as a presenter. I bring the background of singing, and I am still continuing to educate myself to improve my techniques. It's important how to place the voice well, breathe, maintain body posture... This has a significant impact when presenting and speaking. I avoid consuming dairy on the day of the event, warm up my voice, and drink plenty of water to keep the vocal cords hydrated.

Rosa Dembo announcing a fight at AFL 30, Photograph: Yhaicha Stibich

In the events where you had to give your all, have you ever lost your voice?

I have never lost my voice, but that's because you learn to pace and control your voice. Above all, warming up the voice very well 10 minutes before the fight is crucial because we tend to forget that it's an organ that also needs training.

What has been the happiest moment you've had with AFL MMA Spain?

It was when Fran Montiel gave me the opportunity to act as a speaker. I had it in mind, but I didn't know how to approach these people or get into this world, and then I thought, "How are they going to give me this opportunity if they don't know me?" But soon, the opportunity arose, and I sent a voice audition to Montiel, and he liked it.

How do you see the future of AFL MMA Spain and your future in it?

AFL is growing, and there are many talented fighters. If there were more women, and I believe there will be in the near future, the company would grow even more, and there would be a humanization of the sport because people have many prejudices about MMA. Personally, I would like to continue...