Hayleigh Heather 2-1-0 is a Welsh amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Strawweight division, representing IPC Wrexham. She has competed for IMMAF, Anarchy Fight Series and Preston based organisation UKFC.
I appreciate you taking the time to speak to me today Hayleigh, congratulations on your recently announced amateur Strawweight title opportunity for the UKFC19 card.
With preparations nearly at an end for your May 14th showdown, final preparations are now the main focus as you prepare yourself for the Riva Showbar in Preston.
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your highly anticipated 2nd outing to the iconic Union Jack cage?
“It’s been going great thanks! Doesn’t feel like a camp as I’m never really out of the gym in-between fights. Always excited to get back in that cage, UKFC always put on amazing events.”
Across the cage will be Team Ryano’s Nadine Abbot-Bissett. A well renowned IMMAF competitor makes for an interesting bout.
As you and your training partners prepare yourself for a night of pure unadulterated organised violence in Preston, what is your impression of your opponent for May 14th?
“I haven’t looked too much into her, to be honest. I prefer to concentrate on myself and my own improvements. I know she’s a quality fighter with the record to back it up. This was exactly the type of fight I have been asking my coach to get me for ages, so I’m super excited to get a chance to show the level I’m at now. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, and Nadine is Ireland’s best.”
As previously stated, this will be your 2nd appearance for one of the biggest regional stages in the country. Was it always your intention to make a return to the UKFC?
“Of course, I always wanted to fight on UKFC again, I’d fight on every show they run if they could match me! It’s always a great night of fights.”
Each and every athlete in the fight game has a story to tell about how they first fell in love with the brutal yet exhilarating world of mixed martial arts. Was there a certain warrior in the mixed martial arts world that inspired you to pursue your own story in the cage?
“I didn’t get into martial arts because there were any fighters I looked up to really. It was more of a journey I started for myself. It’s such a powerful tool for self-improvement that I’d recommend taking up martial arts to anyone, even if competing isn’t for you. There are fighters I look up to now, but these are people I train with, and rate as humans both in and out of the cage.”
Many Phenomenal athletes take centre stage to write their own stories on the stacked UKFC19 Card. Other than your inclusion on the night are there any matchups in particular that you’re looking forward to witnessing?
“I’m excited to watch Ollie Morris and Kristoff Grambow fight. Both lads have made huge improvements, and I can’t wait to see the differences in their games come out in the cage.”
I wish you all the best for May Hayleigh and I look forward to witnessing your return to the UKFC cage.
Last but not least do you have a message for the fans that will be in attendance and anybody you’d like to give a shout-out to?
“Shout-out to my team and coach Aaron Aby getting me to the level I’m now at. Also to Megan Morris for the rounds, and Matt Gallagher for the help with my mental prep. Bringing back that belt to Wrexham.”
Can’t make the show? UKFC19 will be streamed live on Live MMA.
Image by @Lifethroughabeautifulens
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