LOS ANGELES – Ava Knight likes the vibes she’s getting in the mixed martial arts world. The first-ever women’s WBC diamond belt holder views MMA as an escape from the prejudices of the boxing world.
“It’s still kind of a downfall for us or even just for me, maybe,” Knight told MMA Junkie at a media day Thursday. “I know some women are doing well, but it’s been a really hard struggle.”
At Bellator 228 on Saturday night, Knight (0-0 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) makes her MMA debut when she takes on Shannon Goughary (3-3 MMA, 0-0B BMMA) on the preliminary card.
Bellator 228 takes place Saturday at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif. The main card streams on DAZN following prelims on MMA Junkie.
While avoiding the misogyny of the boxing world is nice, it isn’t the main reason for Knight’s MMA endeavor. The challenge of having to start an athletic venture from scratch stimulates Knight’s competitive nature. MMA has been a humbling experience for “The Lady of Boxing,” but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Check out what Knight had to say about making the leap to MMA, the challenges the shift has presented, and what fans should expect to see from her in the cage Saturday night.
