Ring Girl: 5/9/14
MMA fans in Hawaii can look forward to a new promotional organization, which plans on offering local fighters Mainland bouts and opportunities. “There’s a lot of pro shows that we’re looking to push them through,” says Tuff N Uff Hawaii chief operations officer Andrea Barreiro, who will head the organization along with Joseph Solis. Tuff N Uff hasn’t launched yet, but its first event (slated to take place in September) will be a tribute to the troops and emergency service workers. “It’s going to be bigger, and there’s going to be a lot more put into this,” she continues. “It’s a lot different than the other ones on the island right now.” The events will feature live showings, as well as pay-per-view-type promotions and many more media events. Barreiro first got into MMA thanks to her husband, Jose Barreiro, who recently came off a win at Star Elite Cage Fighting’s March 29 event. “(I got into it) by just being a wife, just being a supporter. I wanted to help him reach his goals,” Andrea says. In addition to Tuff N Uff, Andrea also will be the team manager for Hawaiian Fighting Arts of Oahu, while Jose takes on the role of head Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach. While the first promotion is set for September, Andrea is looking for fighters interested in being on the card, as well as sponsors or anyone else with an interest in helping out. Email her at andreabarreiro31@gmail.com.
