PROFESSIONAL Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Melissa Dixon based in a Coventry Gym cemented her place as the city’s first female MMA champion by winning her first bantamweight championship title fight.
The 30-year-old won her bout on Saturday, June 4 in a fight that made history by becoming the first-ever female main event for major MMA pay-per-view promotor Golden Ticket Fight Promotions.
Melissa, who is based at Lion’s Gym, competed at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) British Open 2022 the day after her historic fight, where she competed in five fights overall.
She won two silver medals in the tournament resulting in her becoming the only woman in the city to be promoted to brown belt.
Melissa began training with head coach James Dixon in 2016 and turned professional last year with her fight record currently consisting of three wins and zero defeats.
She is working with the Lions Gym owner and manager Raj Charl to hold its first-ever female-only ‘open mat’ MMA event on June 19 in a bid to get more women involved in the sport.
The event will be for beginners with an interest in the sport.
Melissa said: “The was a real step forward in my professional MMA career. “I am looking forward to my next fight and my training plan is already underway.
“I hope that the MMA open mat on the 19th June encourages more females to try MMA and we really start to see the sport grow in the UK.”
Raj added: “When Melissa walked through the doors of Lions Gym we knew that she was special.
“Her drive and determination, skill level and work ethic will take her far and the whole team at Lions are incredibly proud of her.”
Contact Melissa on Instagram @no_mess_mullins to register for the open mat event.
You can also visit the website at: www.locaji.co.uk/west-midlands/coventry/lions-gym
