Melissa Amaya

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training (cardio kickboxing, jiujitsu, occasional mma wrestling class) during nursing school in 2016 for fun. It wasn’t until I moved to Spokane Washington in 2020 because my husband got stationed there (Air Force) that I ended up going to my gym now, Sikjitsu, where the coach said I should fight. The idea of fighting scared and intrigued me. Whenever something scares me, I have an internal drive to push against it and conquer it. So in 2021 I started to really take it serious and took my fight pro fight later that year. 

What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? I get to be a source of pride for my family which is why I’m fighting under my maiden name Amaya. I love my parents and this is a way for me to honor them at a bigger stage, make them proud. I want to inspire those close to me, and people from the small town I grew up in Chaparral, NM to go for it. It means hope to become more. 

Who is your favorite fighter and why? No favorite but currently obsessed with Alexa Grasso, she’s so poised as a person. I look up to her.

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? My parents

What are your current ranks in martial arts? I don’t. Did only enough Gi jitsu back in Albuquerque to get a couple stripes on my white belt but haven’t been at a traditional gym in over 6 years. 

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Getting to go through the TUF experience, which everyone seems to coin “the hardest tournament in the world.” It was absolutely fun and I will hold it very near to my heart. 

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? Not necessarily. Just hope to inspire people by being me. 

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? Neither motivate me actually. I could make a lot more money being a full time nurse and I sure as hell wouldn’t be putting my body through so much wear and tear haha. But the growth as a person that I’ve been able to accomplish through fighting and the fun/hard lessons I keep learning through the mma journey has been priceless. The people I’ve gotten to meet and the places I’ve been able to be have been amazing. I do it simply for a unique life experience that tests me in every aspect mentally. “Do it for the plot.” 

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Bachelor degree in Science of Nursing (registered nurse) 

What was your job before you started fighting? Registered nurse in a gastrointestinal unit (GI nurse) LOVED it. Now I’m a sedation nurse in an oral surgery clinic. Also love my job there. Nursing allows me to fulfill my need of service in this life. My way of being useful and I’m good at it :) especially if I get a Spanish speaking patient and the visible relief you see when they can communicate with me and not be so nervous and feel understood. 

Favorite grappling technique: love grappling overall, just being heavy and smothering

Favorite Striking technique: love a well timed front leg sweep

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I’m married, husband and I are currently long distance since I’m training MMA in Spokane giving fighting a shot , he’s stationed in Florida training for a new job and is extremely supportive. Together for almost 12 years and I’m the luckiest woman in the world. Can’t wait to live together again. We have 3 dogs. I live with my little brother Luis who is amazing, I’m lucky we get to live together since we’re so far from home and it’s easy to get homesick. I’m usually either working or training but I love to go hiking, play piano (I’m learning), practice on my singing, dance classes, rock climbing. I loooooove a good movie night.  I’m constantly FaceTiming or talking to my parents and two older brothers.