COVENTRY mixed martial artist Melissa ‘No Mess’ Dixon has become the first female fighter from the Midlands to sign for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The undefeated bantamweight, representing Lions Gym in Coventry, has signed a four-fight deal with the UFC and is currently 5-0-0 in the professional ranks.
Dixon will likely make her UFC debut later this summer and is a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, having trained at Lions Gym for the last seven years.
Dixon said: “I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to be signed with the UFC. This is the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work, and a never-ending belief in myself.
“I want to thank my coaches, training partners, sponsors and supporters who have been by my side throughout this incredible journey.
“I can’t wait to step into the Octagon in the UFC and show the world what I’m capable of.”
Dixon’s head coach and husband, James, added: “As a head coach, there is no greater pride than witnessing the growth and evolution of a fighter.
“To be recognised by an organisation as respected as the UFC is an amazing achievement and demonstrates not only Melissa’s skills, but also the calibre of athletes at Lions Gym.
“As a husband I am incredibly proud of Melissa and am extremely excited for the world to see Melissa where she belongs – in the octagon with her hand being raised.”
The 31-year-old previously fought for Golden Ticket Promotions and Ares FC as she went 3-0 with the former promotion and won both of her bouts with the latter.
Dixon has won three fights via KO/TKO inside the first round and was victorious on her last outing in November against the previously unbeaten Darya Zheleznyakova (7-1).
The bantamweight title bout between reigning champion Amanda Nunes and challenger Irene Aldana headlines UFC 289 in Vancouver, Canada this weekend.
Lions Gym owner Rajinder Charl is a Gracie Barra black belt under Prof. Braulio Estima.
