Hilarie Rose on her Upcoming Main Event Title Shot at CFFC 97: Reed vs. Rose and Mental Health Awareness

Michael Marcangelo: 0:24

Welcome to missing the point I'm your host Michael Mark Angelo joined alongside by DK sisal Dave Clark and today we have a very special friend of the show returning to talk all things MMA, including her fight for the cffc strawweight Championship against Elise Reed on May 29. At CFFC 97 Please welcome Hilarie Rose Hi arie, how are you?

Hilarie Rose: 0:46

Good. How are you guys?

Dave Clarke: 0:48

championship week championship week. Whoo, it's here. Exciting. How are the nerves?

Hilarie Rose: 0:56

The nerves are good. I mean, I guess once you're like, here are like nerves kicking with the like don't kick in once I meet my opponent or like see her I guess I'll feel better. But I mean, I'm definitely nervous. Because obviously I'm fighting for a belt. So there's a few more rounds and a little extra time.

Dave Clarke: 1:16

same routine though. Right? Same cffc routine. Yep. still see. That's good. Yep.

Michael Marcangelo: 1:22

So it feels like the last couple episodes like last time that you were on last month before your fight against Alanna Arnett? We caught you during weight cutting time. How? What's that process looking like this time,

Hilarie Rose: 1:34

we're back again. So I won't have too bad of a cut. I kind of had a tough cut last time. But like that's just because I like mentally wasn't there I didn't want to cut weight but my weights low. So I'm hoping I'll wake up pretty low and not have to sweat too much and can just show up way in and go eat some food.

Michael Marcangelo: 1:49

Yeah, I think it makes the most sense for us to start with your last fight we had you on before you were taking off on our net and man like it is so badass the way it was awesome.

Dave Clarke: 2:02

So cool. TKO by

Michael Marcangelo: 2:04

leg strikes. Are you kidding me?

Dave Clarke: 2:06

What a cool thing to have on your resume. Huh?

Hilarie Rose: 2:09

It was definitely cool. My coach had always wanted one of his students to do that. So like the first as soon as it was over, he was like, Yeah, you got me the win me.

Michael Marcangelo: 2:22

Cuz you talked about on the show, which you can find in the show notes that you wanted to strike first. Yeah. And oh shit, did you and you just didn't stop. So is that the new Hilarie that we can expect?

Hilarie Rose: 2:34

You know, no matter what, you know, I'm going to come out with some sort of leg kick. Probably because again, that's just always what seems to happen. But this girl throws a lot of like kick Sue. She's very very kicky. So, I mean, yeah, I think that she's gonna almost allow me to be first so I don't like I think she's not going to put pressure on me like Cheyenne did. And she's not going to be like grappling heavy like Ilana was She's like a Taekwondo chick and she moves around a lot. She kind of likes to counter strike. So I think that she's kind of going to want to throw with me but she's going to kind of use her like offense with like kicks, not like kicks but like head kick. She likes to throw head kicks. So we'll see. We'll see how it goes.

Dave Clarke: 3:13

It's got to watch that range. You got to watch that head kick range then. You know, just get inside get inside and do work. I love I can't wait.

Hilarie Rose: 3:24

It looks like she hits relatively hard but I mean, we're in a fight it's the admission that you pay, you know fight. I'm gonna get hit eventually. flutter kicks are much faster. I think like that's that Taekwondo style like she has really fast kicks I think that's you know what she uses but she moves a lot she has that like Wonderboy kind of style where she's like kind of always going side to side so we'll see how it goes we're just gonna have to not get caught up in her Chase and we're adding extra rounds now so hoping that you know I don't try to finish too early and like wasted energy and then I'm you know smart and play the game smart

Dave Clarke: 3:58

she's gonna distance every fight every one of her pro fights so far.

Hilarie Rose: 4:03

No her first pro fight she got to finish and then her second pro fight was further and it was only three rounds and then she fought in December for the like to defend the belt and she went all four rounds. So what it is is it's four or five minute rounds and then it's like even two and two then it goes to like a sudden death round.

Dave Clarke: 4:23

That's wild. That's cool.

Hilarie Rose: 4:25

I five minute rounds.

Michael Marcangelo: 4:27

So how does your I guess like this is a couple questions rolled into one so I apologize right off the bat. How does preparing for a longer fight in a shorter period of time? Like what does that do to your camp? Because you only have like eight weeks right?

Hilarie Rose: 4:43

Oh my gosh, I don't even think so. Like I think we found out maybe a week and a half two weeks after I fought so it may be we've had like six five ish weeks but it was a lot of just like cardio intake. So my strength and conditioning program was a lot more cardio based and then you prep like you do five five minute rounds are so like we go five five minute rounds. And then like my last sparring, which is four or five minute rounds to just kind of practice and see I definitely was like a little frustrated at the beginning of camp because, you know, I have a teammate who kind of fights like her style, and you know, trying to figure it out and not waste energy. It's wasting energy because I want to chase them down. But then they move all the time. So then I'm trying to throw all these like hard ass strikes, but really I just kind of have to be patient and I think if I'm patient and I feel out then I'll, you know, be able to see the openings and you know, Lam's the strikes that I want to strike and just be smart and keep my hands up. And I think it'll be good to go.

Dave Clarke: 5:36

You don't think grappling and all you think you're gonna get to try and pull it around.

Hilarie Rose: 5:41

I mean, I definitely have a grappling advantage on her. But I also think that me trying to like I watched some of the other fights of girls who fought her. And they chased her showdown so much to get a takedown. I don't want to waste that energy. So I think if I get the opportunity, like she's against the cage, I don't think like shoot for a double leg or anything like that. I think if it's on the cage, then I'll maybe, you know, work for the takedown if I feel like it's there. I mean, I definitely feel like I can beat her on the ground. But she moves a lot. Like even on the ground. She's always striking and moving, but she gives up position that I think other girls didn't take advantage of. So we'll see.

Michael Marcangelo: 6:14

I remember I want to preview this fight. But I also, we have to give the last one its credit, right? Because when you were on our show, I asked you a pretty tough question. I said, if you were olana, would you have taken this fight? And you said no. So now knowing what we all know how you TK odor. I guess if you're her height can rebound from that. Like, what do you go next? Because it was a fast finish. It was pretty decisive.

Dave Clarke: 6:38

Yeah. The entire fight was very one sided also, yeah,

Hilarie Rose: 6:42

I what will be good for her is that she probably won't have to fight someone who has as much experience next, she'll be able to fight someone who's maybe you know, want to know, or, you know, two in one. So she'll probably get someone who's more at her level where, you know, she took advantage of getting a fight in and I think it's probably was a really good learning experience for her. I mean, as well as myself. I learned a lot from that fight, too. She actually Hit me harder than Cheyenne, and many strikes, but like Cheyenne hit me a whole bunch. And like, yeah, Cheyenne probably threw her hard to strike me. But I mean, Cheyenne also hits hard. I can't take that away from her either. But that girl Hit me harder than Cheyenne. Like, you watch me in the fight. And I like grabbed my nose. Oh shit, my fuckin ship broken. So I think that, you know, she was just trying to get at me, you know, to take me down, which, you know, is smart. But I think I was able to really dictate the pace because I knew that she wanted to take me down. And I had better striking, so I never felt tired. So I'm hoping it'll feel you know, the same way. Once I'm out there. I hate the idea that I mean, being a main event is really cool. But like, I'd rather fight first and like, get it over with.

Dave Clarke: 7:42

Yeah. So now just, that's the champion, it's still unfortunately, a lot you have now because you're at the top of the cards is what it is. Get used to it. And

Michael Marcangelo: 7:56

so my question would be before we before we preview this fight against the lease, if this wasn't a championship fight, would you have taken it on such short notice?

Hilarie Rose: 8:05

The thing is, I ideally wanted to find July 3. So third is when their next event is but I also didn't want to lose out on an opportunity. You know, I think my management is hoping that I can maybe get on contender again, or maybe get another fight. And before the end, sorry, hold on, I think that I would have definitely liked more time, just because it was a style that I am not used to. But I think that I trained really smart for that. And it worked out really well. And I think that I'm prepared but you know, extra time is good time. But I'm like after this fight, you know, I'm in no rush to take a fight right away. I think that my management maybe will want me to but I kind of just want to chill a little for the summer and like, you know, rest you know, I have lingering injuries that like aren't going to really affect me in the fight. But I just like to rest a little bit and you know, recover where like this last fight. I really didn't get that opportunity. It was you know, I took like a week off. And then it was like, Alright, we're back in camp again.

Michael Marcangelo: 8:54

Yeah, I can imagine that. You know, going from fight to fight especially. Last time you were on you did mention that you wanted to have a couple more fights this year. But I you did not forecast one coming seven weeks later. So that's crazy. And you're going in someone who gets who again, who goes the distance I want I want to talk a little bit about some comments that Elise didn't make about you because I thought it's funny to kind of tap into the mind of a fighter right. So at least read a when watching your fight against Alannah Arn tt said after it was done. It as like, quote, okay, so we've ot ourselves a matchup. I've b en very fortunate that we were a le to put together and that Hila ie is open to fighting, you kn w, eight weeks or seven or af er her last one. She's w ll rounded. She's coming from he contender series, no fight at this point, are going to be easy. So we're just looking or the next level. So she's talk ng you

Hilarie Rose: 9:44

Yeah, yeah. I think the thing about Elise is she's bought girls who have had, like she she bought a girl Gillian de courcey, who I found is an amateur and loss to actually so you know, that girl was foreign to her like five and Q when she's nice. And then she bought a girl who was foreign our foreign one before that, Jasmine. So she's not afraid of taking fights against girls who are very experienced, and I think she knows that. Her taking really good fights and beating people who have experienced is going to kind of move her up in a good way. And I don't think she's in any rush to get anywhere. But I think she knows that. I'm going to definitely come to fight and I'm really curious. You know what her game plan to fight me is like, I know she has Taekwondo kicks and things like that some fears that she's going to like Try to throw some spinning back kicks. And I'm intrigued on how like the first initial like, is going to be so I'm definitely interested. I've heard that she doesn't like when her opponents like kind of back up a little more. I think she likes when they kind of put a little pressure on her because she likes to counter strike. So I'm intrigued on on, you know, but I'm also like nervous, like, how's this Viking and go to begin, like, how? It's always that initial like interaction? Yeah. But it'll be

Dave Clarke: 10:53

I know, you said, I know. You said you had a training point. It was kind of like her but you've never really fought anybody like her before, right?

Hilarie Rose: 10:59

No, never. So it's definitely a new challenge for me also. So the thing is getting, you know, someone like that in my books and like, fighting someone who has that kind of style. Like I don't think she's gonna try to grapple me even at all. And you know, maybe she will maybe I hit her really hard and she goes for a takedown or, you know, she tries to get me down in the walk fights a fight, but in any of her fights, you never see her take anybody down. I don't think that's her her game plan for this fight. I think she knows I'm obviously probably a little more well rounded on the ground than she is. But you know, you never know. I'm curious to see how strong she is, too. That's always like the thing that I'm always surprised about after a fight is like, oh, wow, they were really strong. So I'm curious, what is she like leaves for the army, like the day after we fight. So like, you know, she's really looking for like, boot camp thing. So she's probably, you know, in good shape. So, you know, I respect her for that, too. Like, hopefully it won't hurt her and she can't go.

Michael Marcangelo: 11:48

Yeah, that's incredible. And I did not know that. But I also I was reading I was trying to do as much research on Elise as for Oh, you know that you're my favorite Hilarie. But that goes without saying but So Elise is kind of using you as a stepping stone. And I say that because she's looking to beat someone that was on Dana White's contender series. That's what she said. She and she doesn't want to rush her way into UFC because she wants to make sure that once she's there she stays. Yeah. So how does that factor into this because you're the biggest name in this fight and but she's the champion, right? That doesn't happen that often.

Hilarie Rose: 12:23

So you know, I think that no matter who she's gonna fight, or whoever is going to be fighting for the belt is probably going to be someone who has a few more fights on their record than her you know, she has this weird not weird but like, you know, she had one fight and then she was offered the fight for the belts for cffc so like she kind of just was given an opportunity at an early stage where I don't think you see a lot of people who like I mean, this is my gonna be my eighth pro fight and I was never offered a title fight until now obviously, but you know, I get that I'm all of her fights that she's had have been stepping stone so like jasmine was someone who is four and one and Jillian five and two who fought like half of her fights on Invicta, which is a very high level, you know, all female promotion. So like, I totally get it and, you know, let her you know, use me as a stepping stone, but I'm also going to use her take that bounce.

Michael Marcangelo: 13:14

It's pretty awesome. Just based on you know, I just like to think back to I think last August is when we first spoke right before your contender series match, right? And to the to the majority of the people out there like even if you're an MMA fan, like you want an unknown, but you were under the radar, but because of the contender series. Now like you are the name on this card. I also again did a little research. Did you know you are the number one ranked New England woman fighter?

Hilarie Rose: 13:42

As right now. Yeah, no, I know that people tell me that all the time. And I never look it up. I don't know if you looked at like the winnings, but I'm like 12% chance of winning this

Michael Marcangelo: 13:50

audit. That's my next question. So I wouldn't bury the there. But I mean, pound for pound number one in New England number 22 in the United States out of 746 and a reformed in the northeast. So it feels like just since last August. So your career is just is going in the right direction?

Hilarie Rose: 14:09

For sure. For sure. And again, I mean, I'm in no rush, like if I win this title and then you know, win, lose whatever I'm in no rush to go to the UFC. Like I want some fights. I mean, if UFC calls I'm going to take the opportunity if the fight is right you know, I'm totally okay with defending the belts and getting a few more fights on my record because just like her I don't want to go in there and then have a short career I want to get in there and be well prepared, you know, to fight and fight tough chicks. You know, I'm going to be fighting people who are like me who also have you know, a few more fights under their belts. Yeah, you know, we'll win this one and then we'll see what happens.

Dave Clarke: 14:46

What does that target? What does that target look like though? You're already this contender series girl in cffc. If you're The Contender, series girl, and you're all the things Mike just said, Andrew the champ everybody's like that target gets bigger. You know what I mean? So like when you it's the same thing that this girl you're fighting said it's like, you're the level of competition you're never gonna fight a girl like you just fought probably ever again. Right? So it's like, okay, now you test yourself against the best. You've got this target on your back? What's your attitude on that? Is that like a useful learning experience that you're like, Okay, great. Like everyone I fight is good. Now. You know, everyone's got different styles everyone's established or is it this thing of like, Oh my god, like, give me a month. You know what I mean?

Hilarie Rose: 15:25

I know that like, again, I'm never gonna fight in Alanna, like, I'm not going to be offered, you know, a girl who's debuting ever again. And the thing is, I probably even if I was that, that fight just because it's, you know, the experience, I could feel the experience level while I was in there, you know, I was the calmest I've ever been in, I think it was, I was honestly really good because I was able to control the pace or I never really been able to, I mean, when I fought Cheyenne, Cheyenne was like, I'm gonna hit you, and I'm gonna come after you with everything I have. And like, didn't give me a chance to breathe where, you know, in that fight, I could take a step back, I could get back in the center, I could, you know, readjust what I wanted to do. And you know, I never felt tired. I remember when the first round like Click, click, click, I was like, Oh, shit, the first rounds over now, which is obviously what I hope to go into this fight to I want to, you know, feel good and have good cardio. Yeah, I mean, I know, no matter what, I'm going to be fighting tough chicks. And like, this girl's tough. Like, I have no doubts and her, her again, her style is new to me. So that's what I like about this fight is that it's a new challenge. It's not like someone that I've ever thought before. And she's obviously undefeated. And you know, I want to take away that zero, and I want to have the belts, you know, the belt isn't the biggest thing. You know, I just want to win and put on a good performance and want people to, you know, keep looking at me and want to keep watching me fight. So cffc was a good promotion. And they're, you know, been really, really good. So, but I always worry, like, when you fight, she's a point fighter, like, she doesn't fight to finish. And I'm not that I don't think that but I mean, when you watch her fights, you know, she's maybe had one finish, and maybe a few as an amateur. But she's more like a lot of output, output output. And you know, when you are in like, someone's home territory, and they land maybe a few more strikes that don't have as much significant, you know, meaning to them, they sometimes get that win. And that's like, unfortunate where that's happened to me before.

Dave Clarke: 17:08

Well, you said she was a she was a Taekwondo person, right? Yeah. So like, when I was a Taekwondo guy back in the day at age 11, no big deal. But I did those tournaments. And that's what those are, you know, they're just like, they got like, even the equipment that you put on in Taekwondo, it's like this, right? Here's a point this right here is a point, you know, it's like, that's how they, you know, trained to. So when you get in.

Hilarie Rose: 17:29

And I don't think like, No, I don't take anything from her. But like, in the amount of time from just like my last fight until now, l ike, I'm drastically better. Like, it's the amount of work that I put in specifically for this fight, but kind of my last bite into this fight. Like, we kind of just continued some of the things we were doing. Like, obviously, I had some frustrating moments, but like, that's why I can't, but like, it's the case, if I don't get caught up in her case, I think that I can dictate and see the openings really well. But of course, they don't know that until Saturday. And if she hits me hard, you know, that I'll probably try to take her down and Grappler you know, I don't know if you watch the fights over the weekend, but you know, if I can get her down and Carla Esparza that bitch like,

Dave Clarke: 18:04

yeah, I mean, you know, this isn't everything, obviously. But sometimes pad hidden videos can give you a little insight, and I saw your last one that you put up and it looks sharp as hell, because like, I've seen some of my favorite fighters, I'll see their pad work. And I'll be like, ooh, I don't know. But I saw your last one. And it looked like a level sharper that I liked. And I've seen you maybe even a couple so that got me pumped for the for the flight. I was like, okay, Hilarie looking good. Like, let's

Hilarie Rose: 18:29

go, Oh, wait, like my weights really low. So I'm thinking, alright, my weights low. I'm at like, one, you know, 19 120 like, I put on pounds, I'm still gonna be fast like, and you know, I watch her cat videos, and I'm sure she punches hard, but I'm much faster with my hands. You know, obviously, she is quickly. And I quick kicks, whether it's body head leg, they're quick. And I know that and I just have to, you know, be aware, keep my hands up. And when she throws a kick, I need to throw my right hand or I need to throw a strong, you know, combination. I need to not throw single strikes, she kind of throws some single strikes. And I'm guilty of that, too. So if I can throw combos and fates like paint, paint, paint, just like, I don't know, again, if you watch her up onto the weekend, he faints. He makes you react if I can make

Dave Clarke: 19:10

her fight. I love that. I love that fight so much. was all in on that.

Hilarie Rose: 19:15

Screaming,

Dave Clarke: 19:16

I saw Massachusetts man.

Hilarie Rose: 19:20

So I just got to sell it. And if I can sell it, then, you know, cause a reaction. I just need to I'm really good at fainting and then not reacting. Like I can make her react and then I'm not taking advantage of that time. I'm just like, going and then I'm like, oh, okay, maybe react. Okay, now she's hitting. set traps. Yeah, be first I just got to be first and be confident. I know. I'm sharp. And I know that my skill level and strength has grown so much and just like you know, 678 months, so I just got to be confident. And you know, once you're in there, you're in there. I mean, I'll be nervous up until that point. But know once you're there, you're there. So

Dave Clarke: 19:56

as always, when we talk to Hilarie right after we're done talking, I'm always like, okay, she's gonna win. I feel really good, cuz I'm always nervous. But now I'm like, okay, I feel fine. She feels fine. I feel fine.

Hilarie Rose: 20:08

Like know someone who fights like, even like when my teammates or like, even Rob like, I mean, I'm not really close with Rob, but I train alongside him in like, strength and conditioning. And I see him all the time. So like, you're like so emotionally invested. And you're like, you know, if you watch them get hit, you're like, Oh, no, no, no.

Dave Clarke: 20:24

Yeah, it's you and Connor for me now at this point, like, cuz I'm like, both times I just get very emotional

Hilarie Rose: 20:32

on the same card and then you know, you'll be, you'll have to go soon. I

Dave Clarke: 20:36

don't know if that would be too much.

Hilarie Rose: 20:38

You'll have to pull out your wallet and pay the money and go.

Michael Marcangelo: 20:41

I mean, definitely, the way he's going, you might be higher up on the card than he will be Hilarie so I wouldn't really worry about home on

Dave Clarke: 20:48

my was to come down to this if Hilaire headlined a Conor McGregor card. That would be amazing. We're obviously doing great if that's happening. So it's fine. You dick.

Michael Marcangelo: 20:59

So my last question about this fight is and it draws like crossbar comparison, right? She's a point fighter. So she's a Mayweather, right? How do you alter your game, because you don't you wanna, you don't want to panic, right? You want to make sure that you don't put yourself in a bad position in order to get taken down or get knocked out with a head kick. So So what happens? Do you just play her game and try to throw more combos? Or is that something you just figure out, you know, 10 seconds into the first round.

Hilarie Rose: 21:27

So that's the biggest thing is, you know, knowing that first initial exchange, and like, Who's gonna throw first and I think, when I watch all her fights, she's very similar to me where she throws like a leg kick, I think it's like her instinct defense mechanism. Like she, here's my range, I know my range, this is where I'm at. And I'm kind of the same exact way I throw a leg kick, or I throw like up the middle kick. And she kind of does the same sort of thing. But she moves a lot. So knowing in like, watching her videos, we're kind of watching like, Alright, when she goes a little bit to this side, this is what she does. When she goes this way she goes that like she usually throws strikes are supposed to kick off this. So, you know, we were trying to have my teammates kind of simulate that and like kind of pick up on the timing, but so again, it's just not getting caught in her Chase and getting tired. I think that I could beat her even by points, but not chasing her down, like trying to throw with everything I have in order to hit her because she moves so like, if I go with everything I have, she may see you know, I think she's gonna be smart and can read the body really well because of Taekwondo. So but she also is very like square. So like, I'm okay, let me hit you in the body. Let me hit you in the head. But I also throw head kicks in leg kicks. I think I'm the first person that she's also fighting, who fights a lot striking wise with kicks and head kicks. So I'm curious to see what her defense would be on my end. I don't know if she's anticipating me grappling her or trying to push her to the cage. Or if you know, we're gonna stand in the middle and strike but I feel like I can win either way. I feel like I can beat her on the in the hands. I'm faster. These with my hands. I mean, she may have quicker kicks than me. But I think that my kicks I have way more meaning. So I think when I'm kicking, you know, you'll feel it where her kicks I'll make I'll feel and like, yeah, it's probably not gonna feel great, but I think that she's gonna feel my kicks. We're about

Dave Clarke: 23:09

catching one of them down the game plan.

Hilarie Rose: 23:13

Yeah, catching them. Well, I watched some interviews with her before. And she had fought that Julian de courcey chick who is a Grappler. And her coach that said they didn't want her to throw body kicks, because I think she won't throw a lot of body kicks because she thinks I'm going to grab and like maybe try to take her down. But you know, habits or habits, so if you throw body kicks, you know, or if she sees my body open, like she's gonna instinctively throw a body kick. Like, that's just what happens. It's like me too. Like, I see a body. I'm gonna kick it, ma'am. This is an Arby's. So I don't know, I'm curious, I think she'll probably throw a few body kicks and see if I'll grab them. You know, my coaches. And I drilled that, you know, we didn't drill a lot of like catching kicks. And then you know, taking her down, it was more catch in let go and return with something. So my biggest thing is free. So when she hits me, I gotta hit her back a few more times that she kicks me I get a kick her twice. So just nothing's free. You know, she's got to pay for everything.

Michael Marcangelo: 24:07

So why do you think that she's projected out? Again, we did this last time you were protected as a favorite. So I need to be honest and do the same thing again. Why do you think she is projected to win? I mean, 86% of those that took this poll, have her winning 80% of the of that of that subset said that she's gonna win by decision? why that's the case.

Hilarie Rose: 24:27

I think because earlier in my career, obviously or even just still, I mean, Cheyenne, whatever. I haven't had many fights against people who had winning records. So I think because she has fought people who have more experienced and have, you know, winning records that people see that and they think I think Cheyenne. I mean, I think Elise beats her because she's beating more people with winning records. And like, I can totally get that I understand that, you know, I may have more fight and more cage experience, but I think, you know, fans and people who go on the internet and they see that I thought girls who were you know, two and four or one and three and three and three that they think Alright, well, she hasn't thought people as tough. So that's I think that's what a lot of it does, because she's being people who are four and two and five and two and whatnot that they think she will win because she's spot people with more experience and is beating them to it last

Dave Clarke: 25:17

time. We Last time we talked about this on the last episode. It's like the people that vote for that stuff for the fans, right. So when you take that poll And you're looking at a fight and say like, you know, you look at the records, like you said, but then also she's already the champs so people might lean towards picking her for that reason, too. So it's like, nobody knows anything. Let's just see how it goes.

Michael Marcangelo: 25:36

I think, you know, obviously, we're all pulling for you here. You're a resident badass. So we're always gonna read for you. I do want to segue into something that I think, you know, recently, I've looked at that, I feel like it's very important to you, and may is Mental Health Awareness Month, right? So I wanted to say, you know, how, first of all, you have recently started talking about it in public and you're on one of your videos, you said, you know, you did not want to do that, that people that see you every day, didn't actually know how you were feeling right? For you to understand how you're feeling on any given day. So my first thing is, how tough was it to public to start talking about it publicly? And what made you decide to do it,

Hilarie Rose: 26:16

I think that just knowing I've, weirdly today, so like today, four years ago, my cousin who was 22, at the time, he committed suicide, very shocking, didn't you know, leave a note, none of us understood why he was like the goofiest, funniest kid that you know, you would ever met. And I think that it kind of shell shocked me a little bit, and I, you know, struggling with my own mental illness, you know, like, I think that it's important to talk about it, because there's people who don't talk about it at all, and then are, you know, suffering and kind of putting on a, you know, a front and like, act as if they're okay, and then you really have no idea. So I think trying to be open about it will help others be open about it, at many people reached out to me, and, you know, also told me that they were struggling, if they're afraid to talk about it, and don't know how to, you know, be a voice to other people who are struggling and like, even myself, like, I don't feel like I can always, you know, be a voice for other people when they're struggling or know the right thing to say, or even, you know, explain how I'm feeling. But I think that it's just, it's important to talk about and, you know, I think it's kind of like not swept under the rug, I think it's becoming more, you know, people are being more open to talk about it. And, you know, the more you talk about it, the better. You know, you feel I feel better when I talk about it with people, even though I'm scared to talk about how I'm feeling or, you know, I want to keep things helding or, I don't want to be a burden to someone because I'm, you know, feeling a certain way. And then, you know, when you're struggling with mental illness, you don't want to put all your shit on other people, because then sometimes they're like, Oh, I don't want to hang out with them. Because, you know, they're always upset or they're depressed, or, you know, they're not that happy. So like, you know, you don't want to be a burden. So then you pretend you know, to be happy, even though you're struggling. So, you know, but yeah, with me being mental health awareness, I wanted to you know, just make a video and, you know, put it out there, you know, again, that I also struggle, and it's okay to talk about it. And, you know, if someone needs to talk about it with me, even if I don't know them, you know, I'm comfortable talking to them, and I'll do everything I can, you know, to help them out.

Dave Clarke: 28:14

Yeah, I feel like, I also had a friend a couple years ago, take his own life, and I feel like the shock, the biggest shock is when they don't say anything to you. Yeah, you know, because it's like, the, you know, the, your very first thought, or at least mine was, and I'm sure you know, something in this wheelhouse was yours is like, I wish I could have had a known I wish I could have done something. You know, I wish I had, you know, because I would have taken the time if you had have asked me, you know, like if I hadn't known and that was the biggest shock to me as well was like that, like that was one of the funniest people I knew, like the most like moods, like all these all these great jokes all the time, like the last person I would have expected to be suffering from depression and that level of mental illnesses. You know, it's like, yeah, you know, you're obviously you're sad when that person leaves your life, but you also think like, Jesus the pain, they must have been going through pletely silently for so many. Yeah, exactly. And it's, and they never said a word. And it's like, that message, I think is so on the nose, and so important. It's like, you got to tell people, if you're feeling like that, man, like, people listen to you, you'd be so surprised. The depths at which people will go to like, give a shit about you, you know what I mean? Like, they really will. And especially, you know, and I just think it's great when people like you say this stuff, too, because people see athletes, MMA fighters, especially as people who are or maybe they regard them as people who should be impenetrable to this stuff, you know, like, they, they should be completely immune to it and nobody's immune to it, it doesn't no matter how hard you can hit, you can be sad, and anxious. And it's totally fine. And like, everyone feels that way.

Hilarie Rose: 29:43

It's okay to be sad. And it's, it's, we I think that people are scared to admit that they're sad. And it's it that makes me sad because and even like, with, like, again, my cousin who was a male, like, I think it's a male thing, like where they can talk about it or, you know, women are overly emotional, she just emotional or hormones, you know, it's this and that'll pass next week. Like, it's sad that there's like these stigmas to things like that, and it's too bad because it's like, I would do so much to you know, be able to see my cousin again and you know, value our time more, even though like I did while he was around, but it's like you think wow, you know, you're 22 years old and you have no idea how much someone's struggling and you know, the things you would have done to you know, Just be there for them, even if you didn't even know, you know, give a little more effort or try to be around them a little more. So if I can, you know, I don't have a big platform, but you know, I obviously hope that someday I will, you know, and I can voice how I'm feeling and like, get it out to people. And, you know, I, eventually, you know, we'll get there. But even with the small platform I have, you know, there's a lot of amazing people have reached out to me, and I've been, you know, lucky enough to share and talk to people how I'm feeling so

Dave Clarke: 30:50

well, I mean, even if it's one person, even even if one person is you. Yeah, it's it's worth it, you know, and you have to think, too, it's like, we're like two or three generations away from like, you know, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and like, just get on with it. And like, don't, you know, don't think this and like, and with women, especially, it's like, oh, she's just, you know, it's probably that time of the month, like locker in a room, you know, I mean, it's like, that kind of stuff, that kind of stigma, that those kind of thought processes are not very far away from us as human beings. And like, we're only just as we become like, a kind of a community globally, because we're all like, so interconnected. Now, I think we're only just starting to advance into those kinds of thoughts where it's like, nah, nah, it's cool. I feel that too. You know what I mean? Like, even when you grow up, like you, you know, you meet people that have the same feelings that you do that go through the same things as you do it, it's like, it's pretty universal being like, bummed out. But when people are bummed out to the degree that, you know, you don't want to feel the pain anymore. So you take your own life, it's like, there's, there's resources, there's like, there's things you can do, because like, nobody wants you to do that. Nobody wants you to hurt yourself or harm yourself, like nobody. And if you don't feel like you have someone, I promise you, you do, I promise you even if there's somebody that doesn't, you don't think would give a shit, they will, if your life is on the line, they will. So I do think it's important to just keep banging that drum and like you said, like your platform, however big or small, I think it's important to keep banging that drum because even if one person hears that and goes like, Alright, I'm not going to kill myself today, then that you save the life. You know, so that's huge.

Hilarie Rose: 32:22

Again, yeah, it's a crazy, wild thing. And I know, like, you know, it's, again, I just wish people could talk about it more. And I know that even myself, like, I don't talk about it all the time. But I know that at when I do talk about it, I feel better when others can tell me that they can relate. And then I think like, Alright, you know, I'm not the only one who's struggling, or the only one who feels this way sometimes or feels overwhelmed or, you know, depressed or is anxious all the time. So when others relate, it makes you feel better, and that you're not, you know, this crazy person just like living inside your mind.

Dave Clarke: 32:54

Right. And I you know, I would also say, like you and I can talk about it, because it affected our lives. I would say to people, don't wait until that happens, you know, like, definitely get be proactive about it. Because like, you never know, you never know what someone's going through. And it doesn't matter if they have like, I mean, it was so I related to it so much in your video when you said, you know, it's like, even the people I'm closest to don't know, when I'm like not feeling you know, 100% or if I'm anxious, or, you know, on my way to training, I had to like, pull the car over to like, take a few breaths. And I'm like, Damn, man, I thought that was just me, you know, like, and it's like, I've, you know, you just show up to where you're going to get on with your day. You know what I mean? It's like, like, yeah, I'm okay. Yeah, you're like screaming inside your head. Yeah. And that's, you know, that's not just you. It's not just, it's not just your average person walking down the street, like, everybody's going through some shit, especially this past year, you know what I mean? I think we should all take time to think about that. It's like,

Hilarie Rose: 33:49

suicide rates are up like alcoholism and drug, like, so much. It's sad because we were so locked in and people who needed resources, weren't able to get those resources because COVID and it's hard to do, I'm sure a virtual a meeting or a virtual na meeting or you know, try to reach out to someone when you can't. Sometimes you need a physical hug or you need you know, a person there with you and with Kobe to kinda like kept people from being able to be around each other. And you know, that it was sad. And like I said, like, suicide rates were up and so many things are up and just addiction and death. It was just depressing.

Dave Clarke: 34:24

There's so many so many insidious side effects, even for I'm sure the mentally healthy, you know what I mean? It's like, I felt pretty good going into 2020. And, you know, it's like, I you know, I struggle with anxiety. I like that's my main thing. But like, the second that, like the lockdown started up, like, it was just like, boom, through the roof. I can't imagine what people you know, and I didn't even I wasn't even that worried about like me getting sick or whatever. It was just like all the different things you're thinking about. And then like the insidious side effects of being locked in your fucking house, and I kept making the joke of like, this is great. I love being inside. Nobody loves being inside that much. like nobody.

Hilarie Rose: 34:58

It's like cool, you know, I'll get a few days off work. It's gonna be two weeks. We're gonna like a ship

Dave Clarke: 35:05

now. One year later. Yeah, I mean, for sure. And like if somebody was went into 2020 you know, whatever country or state or whatever, you're in listening to this if you went into 2020 not doing great and 2020 fucked you up. Like that's okay. Like that fucked everybody up. So if You're still here, like good for you. And like, we all still really want you to be here. So like, talk to somebody and you're set up to work cool. Yeah, we're here.

Michael Marcangelo: 35:35

I think like you just talked about some of the real and the bad side effects of COVID. And what happened the lockdown, but I do think, and I'm not a glass half full type of guy, but for this I will be, I think us being isolated for so long, right has made the discussion of mental health and the awareness of mental health. That much more present now. Yeah, it doesn't feel like it's a taboo thing. It's like, hey, like, we all fucking have it man. Like, we have not had human interaction in a year, if you couple that with someone who had mental health who had, you know, problems with their mental health before that, like, it was an awful time. So would you say that what's happened over the last year like zoom and evidence going on? Did that didn't make it more palpable for you to talk about it for the first time instead of talking in a room of people?

Hilarie Rose: 36:25

Yeah, I think so. I think because I festered in my head a lot. While I was, you know, obviously, in COVID, and then, you know, being on contender, and then losing and, you know, after contender, I was super depressed, because it just felt like, you know, a lot of hard work that I put in, like, I maybe didn't get to train as much or do as much or get out as much because of COVID. And then, you know, I just, you know, was in my own head. So I think after, you know, losing and kind of taking a few weeks to kind of, you know, be upset, I was like, you know, I got to kind of get my shit together, you know, this is my career, and I need to stay positive, because, you know, people lose, and they win, and they can come back stronger. You see it more often than not, I mean, like Michael Phelps, for example, like, he's someone who struggles with mental health really bad. And, you know, you see him, you know, lose, and then win, and then come back and do all these, like, awesome things that regarding mental health, and I think just, sometimes it's maybe not what I needed at the time, but overall, towards the end, it was actually something that I did need, and I feel better about. And I feel like even though I do still struggle to talk about it, I'm becoming more open to talk about it. And I think the more open I am, the more comfortable I'll get and the more you know, people I can talk to and more people that will reach out to me, but yeah, it's, it's good, it's good to talk about it. And definitely 2020 I think just, I think 2020 probably gave a lot of people anxiety, who maybe had never suffered from anxiety before and had no idea what it was like to have be super anxious and you know, be worried about certain things. And then, you know, COVID hit, and then they were like, well, what am I feeling? What is all this emotion that I'm coming? You know, that's coming through my body. So I, you know, I think maybe more people are open to relate to, you know, how others maybe you were feeling before

Michael Marcangelo: 38:08

as a person who has gone through his own shit, right? I have never worried about ever before me breathing around somebody that could and that could kill them. Like, outsiders poison. Yeah. Who's like outside is poison. Wait, what? Like, what, like, literally, you have other people's lives in your hand. And that's a lot like that. That is a lot to put on anybody. And I can imagine like, if you're already anxious, if you already have these things that that are going on, like how that amplifies it. So I think that the positive coming from from COVID and quarantine in the isolation is the fact that this conversation that would have never happened in 2019 is fine. Now it's not it's not fine. It needs to happen.

Hilarie Rose: 38:50

Right? Right, right.

Dave Clarke: 38:52

It's true, because like, I think for me, it's like, I was always an anxious person. I was always like a worrier. I was always like, I was always the kid that like when we were all smoking a joint. I was the first one to be like, everybody knows we're high. Like that was always my thing. But then like, yeah, cuz it's because you're anxious. And but for me, it was like, I always had this voice in my head. That would be like, I could at least say to myself, you're just fucking anxious, bro. Like, just whatever. And I i that COVID was when I went from being a kind of an anxious person to being someone with anxiety because the voice just clicked off. And then that was it. It was all I was, was my emotions when I would have like, and then I started having panic attacks. I started having all this shit. And I'll tell you some I have my dad has had both a panic attack and a heart attack and he recommends a heart attack because panic attacks are fucking horrible.

Hilarie Rose: 39:40

My dad had a panic attack for the first time on Thanksgiving. And he thought he was having a heart attack. And he went to the hospital and they said, No, you're having a panic attack. And he called me and said, because he knows I suffer from panic attacks. He was like, I've never felt anything like that in my life. And now I know how you feel when you have a panic attack. And he like, people don't know how to relate. And then when something like that happens to them, like especially if that age they think oh my god, I'm having a heart attack. But then they panic attack. He didn't have a heart attack and maybe since Holy shit. And then he knows like, wow, this is when you suffer. You have happened to you all the time. Like, that's scary.

Dave Clarke: 40:15

Yeah, it feels like you're it's more like a brain attack than a heart attack. If they call it a brain attack. I think it will get better press because it sucks. It's like the worst thing in the world. I'm like, but I'm having a brain attack. And I can feel them coming. I could feel them coming from down the street and I'm like, here comes, and then I'm gone, you know, and it's just like, it's the worst. And then only, you know, especially you feel like you make it to like, 2829 you don't have you're not suffering from any like, you're, you know, it's like, Okay, good. I'm not a schizophrenic. Like, I think I've made it past the years where like, that might happen. And then you start getting these and you're like, come on, man. Yeah, fair. I thought I mean, I thought I had like a good 10 years before I started having to worry about shit like this. It's, yeah, it's like and everything. And if the physical symptoms that manifest themselves to you're like, this is a heart attack, this is this is a fucking heart attack. And it's like, No, probably not, bro, you're 30.

Michael Marcangelo: 41:06

So there's not only treatment, but there are also organizations that that are out there that promote the discussion, mental health, and they're advocates for those that have that are going through something like a mental health event. And I think one of them that I saw on your Instagram was Always Check on the Homies ACOTM. So tell me a little bit more about that organization, other mental health organizations that you've been working with, since you know, since your video that you posted on Insta?

Hilarie Rose: 41:31

So I'm always checking your homies is a nonprofit that all of their money that gets made from you know, purchases, and you know, shirts and whatnot, it's always check on your homies. It goes to, you know, people who are struggling with mental health. So they have a bunch of different organizations. One is for young kids suffering who have tried to commit suicide, and then they you know, go into a home. But yeah, so it's, you know, it's not money that goes to them. It's all goes to mental health and it's nonprofit, and, you know, I love what they're doing. I love that it's always check on your homeys because it's, you know, it's a cool way to kind of feel comfortable to talk about mental health and, you know, like, you should, you should always check on your homeys. So, I can't think it's made an more open way to kind of, you know, put mental health out there and like a nice way without it being like, you know, something that always is like suicide or, you know, depression it kind of puts in like a more not fun, but like kind way of, you know, saying you know, you should always check in your homies call them up, let them know that you love them. And they're important. Yeah, it

Michael Marcangelo: 42:35

feels like it's just like a mainstream way. But in reality, like, this is a this is the most mainstream of conversations to have, right? Don't let people that you care about or anyone go without hearing from you for a day or two like if you like, because you I always think about that. And I don't want to go too far down the rabbit hole. But now especially with like technology, right, you can go without talking to people to grandparents to ons to uncles, right. And like what I saw, always check on your homies, I gotta be honest with you. The first person I call it was my Nana. I hadn't talked to him like in like four days. And I was like that, that resonated when you're like, your Nana can be your homie. That's okay. Like, you just never want to go a day without like, you always want to know, like, at the end of the day that everyone that is in your circle knows how you felt about them. Right? And

Hilarie Rose: 43:23

yeah, and it's true. Like I it makes me want to call my dad and I love it. You know, my friends, like I have friends that I you know, maybe talk to all the time but don't see and like, sometimes I just maybe haven't talked to him a few days. I'm like, Well, how is my friend Candace? You know, how she doing? You know? How's my friend Chelsea? How's this friend? How's that friend? So it says it just kind of gives you like a reminder you know, just check on them say what's up Hey, how are you? Or just you know, make them feel important that you're thinking about them doesn't have to be anything crazy.

Michael Marcangelo: 43:55

Yeah, I think that's the perfect way to kind of talk about that is it Listen, May is mental health awareness month but like in reality, that's something that we should focus on all the time. And if you know someone that is that you think is struggling or that maybe you don't even think so just check a Hey, how are you goes a very long way in this day and age, especially in the day like we're all just so attached to Twitter, Instagram, everything that's pulling us away from talking to each other. Oh, we get a nice text like Hey, what's up? How are you it goes a long way.

Hilarie Rose: 44:25

He his stuff brings on depression where people feel like they have to live up to a patient of what social media says or you know, dictates or puts out there like people feel like they have to live up to you know, whatever their friends are maybe doing and then feel like they can't you know I don't want to reach out to them I'm not you know, doing what they're doing. I'm not successful. I don't own a house. I don't live here. I don't do that. So I think media is a lot of part of that too. So you know, yeah, shooting with text, give them a call.

Dave Clarke: 44:54

That's why I like Twitter better than Instagram because Instagrams got a bunch of really beautiful people doing fun shit with filters and Twitter's got a bunch of idiots that made me feel better about myself because I never used Twitter like I can't get on there.

Michael Marcangelo: 45:09

I mean, Dave is the biggest heel from the MTP podcast on Twitter. Hey, everyone, he just goes out to everybody which I love. I that's the best way to do it. But it's like

Dave Clarke: 45:20

sometimes you see something pisses you off because you're like, that's a stupid thing to say. I'm gonna say something about that. I try to carry myself in like that in real life also just for the record.

Hilarie Rose: 45:31

Yeah, that's fun. You make it fun. And you go after the right people. Right, right.

Dave Clarke: 45:35

Yeah. I mean, I feel like you say I'm a heel, but I'm going after the bad guys, Mike. Yeah.

Michael Marcangelo: 45:41

So I have a I have not really a bone to pick with you. This is only transition. I had to do Hilaire. So I apologize for the cold open. But I was listening to a podcast with a certain Mr. McCarthy that you were on. And you may have mentioned that it was your favorite podcast to be on. Okay, now.

Hilarie Rose: 46:05

I on you know what's so funny is after I thought about that, too, and I was like, it's not because it's not my favorite podcast. I think my favorite part about his podcast is what he does regarding mental health, and like how he reaches out to people. So it's not so much it's my favorite podcast because no doubt you guys are my favorite podcast. That genuinely for my deep heart. What I like best about his podcast is it's kind of for mental health. And he's like, really raw and about, like, his emotions, and he kind of talks to other people about their mental health. So I think that is what my favorite part was. I should be very specific about the things I said.

Dave Clarke: 46:43

Mike just wanted to hear. Mike just wanted to hear that we were your favorite. It's fine. He's good. Now he stopped listening to you after you said

Hilarie Rose: 46:51

my sister all the time. I'm like, man, I love the set that up with the guys from the podcast. I love talking to them. Always. My favorite part about it. Is I still talk to them all the time. And I'm like, Yes. I love it.

Michael Marcangelo: 47:05

Yeah, it's awesome. It is your your the most fun that we that we have in terms in terms of preparation. I'm not pandering, right? Like, I know that when you come on, we can talk for an hour and it's gonna be fun because you're just someone that A is easy to listen to. And be like says really, really intelligent things and noteworthy thing. So it just wait it this way. Cut me to my core Hilarie.

Hilarie Rose: 47:29

hour, my time to anybody else. You know, that was a 20 minute podcast better.

Dave Clarke: 47:34

I noticed that. I noticed that right. When I saw that it was 20 minutes long. I felt fine.

Hilarie Rose: 47:38

Yeah. I don't get a lot of time to a lot of people. And you think I'm cutting weight right now? You know how difficult that is? I want to give my territory.

Dave Clarke: 47:48

Yeah. Mike Weaver alone, Mike.

Michael Marcangelo: 47:50

Well, hold on, hold on, like when you win this weekend, right. That's two weeks. That's two fights in a row that you've talked to us while cutting weight. So it feels like we've started a trend here. Yeah. can only talk to us during weight cutting weeks.

Hilarie Rose: 48:01

Yeah, it's good. You can and you know, good vibes. And maybe it's good luck.

Michael Marcangelo: 48:05

Yeah. Yeah. I like to so the last thing we're talking about last question. So you have cffc 97 coming out on May 29. What is the outcome?

Hilarie Rose: 48:17

The outcome? The thing is, I think that it's either go to a decision or that I choke her out that my coaches are here.

Michael Marcangelo: 48:27

Yeah.

Hilarie Rose: 48:28

Cuz he doesn't think it goes to decision Do you think he's I don't want it to go to a decision. I think maybe three rounds tops. I don't think it goes to a fourth round. And I think that it's gonna be harder to finish her on the feet. I do think that I mean, if I can time things well and hit hard, but I think if it goes to the ground that no doubt I either get some sort of submission or a TKO.

Dave Clarke: 48:49

When you when you kick the legs off that or the girl My downstairs neighbor says they said they thought there was an earthquake. If you choke her out, I feel like I'm gonna have to like maybe I'll send them a note beforehand or something. Because I went bizarre.

Hilarie Rose: 49:04

But you know, y'all kick her legs out like it did the other chick. You never know. She moves a lot. She moves right into that leg kick.

Dave Clarke: 49:09

I feel like last time we talked you were like, I got some stuff up my sleeve. I'm not gonna tell you everything. You did that shit. I was like, that's what she

Hilarie Rose: 49:16

was talking about. You're not wrong. That is that. I do have a few things up my sleeve too. So that heavy front leg that girl likes to come in on so

Dave Clarke: 49:27

you know the WWE? That would be your catchphrase? That's right. That's the one.

Michael Marcangelo: 49:32

I mean, I I knew you're gonna win. I just didn't know maybe that way like that. watch that video. I literally texted Dave and I was like, Holy fuck. by TKO with leg shakes, like what is happening.

Dave Clarke: 49:48

I was just like, kick, kick, kick kick. Right before that. I was like, those are starting to add up. Yeah.

Hilarie Rose: 49:56

I knew they were heavy on that leg for sure. Because she wanted to grapple me and I could see that she wanted to take me down so I knew it was there.

Michael Marcangelo: 50:04

couldn't do it. Well, Hilarie, thank thank you so much for for taking the time to join us again. Make sure to watch Hilarie Rose versus at least read for the cffc strawweight championship on May 29. It cffc 97 you can follow her @HilarieroseMMA on Instagram. Not really on Twitter, but please LIKE ME Sure, the most important thing that happened on this show was if you are feeling a certain way talk about it. Never ever feel ashamed of your feelings or what you're going through Mental Health Awareness Month should be mental health awareness every month, right? So, thank you so much for taking the time. So for DK sizzle, Dave, I am Michael Mark Angelo. This was missing the point