MMA OKAY: HACKETT READY TO FINALLY TAKE HER SHOT IN THE BIG TIME
RISING Gold Coaster Chelsea Hackett says the long wait for her mixed martial arts (MMA) debut has done nothing to dampen her enthusiasm for the challenge that awaits this weekend. Originally slated to face Charlene Intugay in her first MMA fight on March 23, three-time Australian lightweight Muay Thai champion Hackett endured her fair share of disappointment as three opponents pulled out within a six-week window.
But the 20-year-old has bounced back from the pain and will finally get her chance when she meets Mel Zeman in a flyweight (56.7kg) bout as part of Saturday’s Eternal MMA 45 promotion at Southport Sharks.
“It was devastating not to debut in March, but I am a professional and I was not willing to concede that my debut may not happen and stayed committed right up until weigh in,” said Hackett, whose third opponent withdrew just 48 hours before the fight. “I was excited to be matched on Eternal 45 pretty much straight away and I’m more than prepared and ready to showcase my skills.”
Hackett won gold at the 2014 and 2015 IFMA Muay Thai World Championships and was named Female Teenage Fighter of the Year at the Australian Muay Thai Awards both years.