By Samantha Roberts, FightTicker.com Youth Contributor

On July 26th Elite XC will be presenting their second live MMA event on network TV. This one will be “done right” in the eyes of the hard core MMA fans as it will be headlined by belt holders, rather than by fighters who may get the most viewers.

Although there will be three belts on the line, the most exciting fight of the night may be the women's fight between Shayna Baszler and Cristiane Cyborg.

Baszler is the classic grappler but has decent stand up skills, while Cyborg has shown dangerous KO power and will be looking to end their fight quickly with one punch.

I recently had the chance to ask Baszler some questions via email to see what she thought of her upcoming fight.

FightTicker.com: I’m sure you are glad they finally have an opponent in place for you so you know how you want to train for the fight..Should they get it in gear and line them up a little faster? I do think it hurts a striker worse than the grappler taking a fight on short notice.

Baszler: I wish they would get it in gear a little faster. Always, they are talking about a fight happening long before press release, but it’s hard to get up to train for a “possible” opponent as opposed to knowing exactly who and when and if it’s happening for sure and all that.

FightTicker.com: Big question -- they talked before that this may lead up to a title fight. Is that still the word? If so, what weight class and would it be Gina [Carano]?

Baszler: As far as talking to me, they haven’t yet beyond this fight. I know what everyone else knows. Hopefully it’s true...

FightTicker.com: What exactly do you know about Cristiane Cyborg Santos?

Baszler: I know besides her aggressive Muay Thai, she does some freestyle wrestling. So she has some ground training, but as far as subs, I don’t think she compares to me or some of the girls I’ve faced.

FightTicker.com: Are you happy with whom they found for you as far as that goes? Or do you think they should have got someone with a “known name”?

Baszler: It doesn’t matter who it is, in the end all they will be known as is another skull in the Queen’s pile.

FightTicker.com: I think this card should have been the first televised event, because it is much better point blank: 3 title fights with the added heavyweight title and lots of big names. Obviously you think it would be better because you are on the card. That aside, what are your thoughts?

Baszler: I think it definitely has the potential to be a better card, but you can never really tell on paper. I think they will hopefully not be stopping so many fights so early since they got so much flak for it last time around. But definitely the matchups are better and it should be a better showcase of talent for the general audience.

FightTicker.com: Do you think there will be any upsets on this card?

Baszler: I dunno, am I the underdog in this fight?

FightTicker.com: Any thoughts on the Affliction card? I know you talked about it a little on our show [MMABrat & Bro on playlikeagirlsports.com.] It has some of the best names ever!

Baszler: Again this is one of those events that, on paper, should be one of the best shows ever. A real treat, especially for hardcore fans to see some of the biggest and best names in MMA all on one card...It’s a reminiscent of the old Pride NYE shows!

FightTicker.com: Do you think Josh [Barnett] is training extra hard so he can avenge one of his only losses?

Baszler: Josh always trains hard for his fights, so there really is no extra hard. I think you’ll see him go in there and do like he always does.

FightTicker.com: How many weight classes do you think the ladies should have and what weights?

Baszler: As far as how many, I haven’t thought about that yet, but I do like the standard 105, 115, 125, 135, etc, format that most org’s use. Just seems that most girls are used to that format and it’s the most widely used.

FightTicker.com: I mentioned that Amanda Lucas [daughter of Star Wars director George Lucas] had fought in MMA recently on our show. That was in New Zealand in the Princesses of Pain event “Australasia vs. USA.” Do you think it is cool putting countries/regions against each other?

Baszler: If that’s what sells the card, then yeah, it’s not a bad idea. It’s not any worse than any other format. Princesses of Pain aren’t the first to use it and they certainly won’t be the last.

FightTicker.com: What do you think about females in MMA as far as pay scale is concerned? Their pay will have to go up, but how much?

Baszler: It’s definitely getting better, and thanks to Pro Elite and the doors they have opened up as far as using Gina for exposure and such, it will only get better. People always say they they enjoyed the girls' fight best at the end of every show that has one between skilled opponents so, I think the more people get educated, we will see this only get better and better.

FightTicker.com: What do you think about the new rules that the Associaition of Boxing Commissions (ABC) put in place? Will anyone use that many weight classes?

Baszler: I doubt for now any of the established org’s will change the weight classes they have. It would shake things up too much. But maybe if new ones pop up that are brand new, that’s when that stuff will probably come into play.

FightTicker.com: I saw Fedor plans on fighting three more times in the near future. Is Barnett one of those fights?

Baszler: I don’t know and probably couldn’t comment if I did, but hopefully so!

FightTicker.com: I know you train with a 115 pound monster! But who will you be training with to help prepare for Cyborg?

Baszler: Probably the same people as always. It has worked for me so far, and we have guys that are bigger and stronger and better than her that don't go easy on me so I think I'm pretty well-prepared.

FightTicker.com: Thanks for your time and good luck. I hope to see you fighting for gold soon!

Baszler: Thanks for the support!!

(Shayna Baszler Queen of Spades art courtesy of her MySpace page.)