Debi Purcell


Deborah Ann Purcell is a retired American female mixed martial artist. She was formerly an assistant coach to the Southern California Condors of the International Fight League.

Early life

Purcell was involved in cheerleading, dance and competitive gymnastics throughout her early teens. She later quit gymnastics and took up Martial Arts. At the age of 17, she was introduced to Tae Kwon Do and this later introduced her to kickboxing, boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
She is actively involved in supporting women's MMA, having set up Fightergirls.com and the WMAA, along with being a world-class competitor herself. Purcell also started Fightergirls, her own extremely successful women's fitness and MMA apparel line, in which she designs every piece personally.
Purcell signed a three-fight deal with Elite XC. Her first fight was against Rosi Sexton at ShoXC: Suganuma vs. Hamman II on August 15, 2008. Purcell lost the fight by Split Decision.

Personal life

Debi married Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter Ronald Assumpcao on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also gained a stepson named Gustavo.

Accomplishments

Outside MMA

Purcell appeared on the fourth season of VH1's Celebrity Fit Club as a guest trainer. She also appeared on an episode of The Montel Williams Show in September 2007.
Purcell has a HVAC license and owns and runs an air-conditioning business. She also owns a clothing design store called Purpur Hollywood Aprons, which specializes in vintage aprons.