MMA fighter making professional debut in London

A mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Exeter is set to make her professional debut at the O2 in London later.

Miriam Grubb, 23, started training in the sport in 2021 and was encouraged to quit after she lost her first three fights.

But four years on, the Strawweight fighter has won her last six bouts and puts her success down to hard work and determination.

She is set to fight Rhi Rhi Hudson in the capital on the Cage Warriors 186 card, ahead of the UFC event on Saturday.

Discussing her start in the sport, Ms Grubb said: "I broke my nose in my second fight, got a nasty cut but I just loved it.

"For me, I really am someone who likes to push myself and I think that's why I think I was able to get over those losses.

"I went out there and I put myself on display and that's what I aim to do when I fight."

The fighter described the sport as "like a chess match" in respect of the technical aspects, such as grappling and striking.

She added that her dream had always been to be paid to perform, saying she aimed to commit to MMA fighting for the next two to three years.

"I want to be performing in the O2, but as the main card, as the main event," she said.

"I want to be in there for a title fight because I know I've got what it takes, I know I can take these people.

"I know I train just as hard, I'm in here multiple times a day - it's literally all I think about."

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