Cory McKenna’s phone buzzed with a text message three weeks ago with an invite to fight at the UFC Apex in America on Dana White’s Contender Series. The Cwmbran-based fighter landed in Las Vegas last weekend for the fight of her life.
She plans to take her record of four wins (one loss) to five wins- but there is a bigger prize up for grabs.
Dana White is the president of UFC and his Contender Series is a chance for up and coming fighters to get a contract with UFC. The 21-year-old told Cwmbran Life that the text was a surprise but she never stops training and “can’t wait” to step into the octagon.
“Fortunately, where I train consistently I am always ready to take any opportunity. I have been training multiple times a day, every day through lockdown. I have also been fortunate enough to have high-level training partners also preparing for fights, meaning I am still getting pushed day in, day out.”
“It has been a little bit chaotic with trying to get medicals and visas organised but now that I am out here I am looking forward to a few chilled days of padwork and time with my team.”
“There are five fights on the show with the winners having the opportunity to impress Dana White for a UFC contract. I have my main training partners Charlie Falco, Jack Mason and Urijah Faber from Team Alpha Male here so am fully prepared and surrounded by the best team possible. I can’t wait.”
Read this guide to Season 4 of Dana White’s Contender Series. Her opponent is Vanessa Demopolous. The bill starts at 1am (UK time) on Wednesday 12 August and can be watched on ESPN.
