Melissa Mullins

When and why did you start training for fighting? 2016 and because break dancing was not an option anymore.

Who are your main training partners? I have two main training partners, both my partner Shaquille Buckley and my friend James Lilly! These two have definitely helped my skills set massively in regards to development stepping into this opportunity! Otherwise, I train with Faber Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Barra Holbrooks!
What ranks and titles have you held? Golden Ticket bantamweight champ, Black Belt in BJJ

What are your current ranks in martial arts? For a while I was popping in and out of top 15 however I don’t get to be that active so I don’t think I’ll hit the ranks for a while! Most recently this is due to tearing my retina! But I am also a big bantamweight, I’m in shape and very healthy, but cutting down to bantam weight is very hard on my body! Especially being an older fighter!

Who is your favorite fighter and why? I love Petr Yan for his style and skill set as well as he is a very entertaining and well established fighter! Topuria, again for the same reasons but I specifically love his boxing style! More out there atm is Lon but I have always admired his style! I also love that he has established against one of the best, himself despite all doubt! 

Do you have any heroes? Not particularly, but I do enjoy coaching my team of kids at levels mixed martial arts in Coventry! They really do inspire me to be better!

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Right now, eveeerrythhhiinng. It's the top of the top, but the beginning of a new venture! I'm looking forward to showcasing myself and putting on a show!

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career? Any of my losses because they annoy and frustrate me to rewatch! As they are definitely fights, I could’ve won! But if I had the knowledge I have now in regards to myself, they would’ve been fights. I would’ve won!! but I guess that’s a negative and the positive of building your career so early on within the UFC!

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? I never expect to be on such a platform like the UFC, before I even started mixed martial arts I didn’t even know what Mma was! I just jumped on the journey and found myself on the biggest platform in the world! I find it hard when getting into the end of a camp! But I really enjoy fighting and training! I think it’s the environment that I put myself in that keeps me so relaxed and motivated during training!

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? University - BA of science

What was your job before you started fighting? Gymnastics coach

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? IMMAF European silver medalist, lost out on gold due to a split decision. All wins via KO/TKO

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Getting a UFC contract

Favorite grappling technique: Control and pressure

Favorite Striking technique: Jab

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: I have been dating my partner now for nearly 2 years and we have an incredible bond! One of those types of people where you wish you met them sooner! Outside of life, I have three dogs Ripley, Atlas and Churro! I have no kids, but I have a whole academy of children that I get to Coach and be around daily! But that’s not to say children are on the table in the future! I like Lego, colouring, bored games and Pokémon cards at this present moment, and I also collect Funko pops! I also generally like exercising and lifting! I would say that I like street fashion over the high Street fashion! I really love styling my outfits and feeling good in and out of the gym environment!