The matriarch of the Tafa household Pouli Amanda Tafa is one proud mother but having raised four boys on her own who are now mixed martial artists is no walk in the park.

However, the sacrifices and prayers that she's made as a single mother have paid off with her two sons now in the M.M.A. [mixed martial artists]  has paid off dividends in the long run for her. 

In an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer on Wednesday, Pouli shared how nerve-racking it was for her as a mother every time her sons Justin and Junior Tafa entered the ring. 

However, as a parent, the mother of four boys proudly says that she fully supports her boys in pursuing their own dreams. 

"It's never easy, when it's a fight week, I don't eat much and I get really worried and nervous. When they leave home to go to their fights, I lose focus and can't concentrate on things back at home," said Pouli. "Before any fight, we pray as a family and we ask God to protect them.

"I don't watch the fights. I only watch when they walk in but once the fight starts, I keep myself busy with chores at home until I hear the loud cheers from my sisters, brothers and their children as we always watch the fights together but it's nerve-racking."

Pouli said she constantly reminds her boys to pray and be humble before any fight, and she speaks from the heart because her father was a former boxer. She recalled that when her father was alive, he reminded his grandsons not to let their guard down when they fought.

"That's basically what I remind them to do as well. To be alert, keep their eyes open and to never let their guard down. Before any fight, I remind them to pray and ask God for strength. I raised my boys by myself and I am very proud of them and all their achievements so far. 

Everybody who knows me and my boys knows how hard it was and how tough it was for us. I have four boys and the eldest Gerard is always there for them, he is their trainer, manager and always in their corner. My youngest son is 24 years old and he is also a fighter too. 

"But he is not up to that level yet. They help each other and train every day. They push each other to do better and they are always there supporting one another. As a mother, that's all I could ask for. For them to be there for one another and to support each other to achieve their goals and dreams."

As a mother, Pouli said she often asks herself why her sons couldn't get normal jobs and work in offices, especially when she sees them go through their training regimes. 

"But I see how hard they work and how passionate they are in pursuing their dreams and following their hearts and I can't help but feel so proud of my boys," she said. "I keep praying to God to give them courage and strength so they can continue pursuing their dreams and represent our families, culture and people, that is their service to Samoa."

Having them in Samoa this week, over seven years after their last visit, was an "overwhelming" experience for Pouli. She was elated that they were back home with her. 

"It feels fantastic to be back home and especially bringing my boys back so they can connect with our people their supporters as they are proud Samoan boys. 

"The last time we came was when my father passed away, which was seven years ago, but we are so overwhelmed and feel so great that they finally got the chance to come here and to be here. 

"Every time they fight and go in to fight, they always carry the flag of the country. They are proud Samoans and they are proud of where they come from. 

"So this trip is very special for us and especially for Justin and Junior as they get the opportunity to communicate with our people and to show how proud they are of where they come from and the country they usually represent when they fight."