Battle Arena Birmingham is nearly upon us, and what a card they have in store. Today I caught up with Alycia Malta, who is set to take her second walk to the lion’s den. She takes on Lithuania’s Sima Pacenkaita in a Catchweight bout the fans in attendance will not want to miss.
Alycia Malta (1-0-0) is a Canadian amateur Mixed Martial Artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division, representing Lion’s Gym. She has competed for Golden Ticket Fight Promotions and is due to make her debut for Battle Arena on October 9th in Birmingham.
I’d like to start things off by thanking you for taking the time to speak with me today Alycia, and also to congratulate you on your upcoming inclusion to the Battle Arena Birmingham card.
“Cool, thank you.”
I hope training camp has been going well in the build-up to your scheduled return to action?
“Yeah, it’s been a really good camp, it’s been enjoyable, more so than my last camp.”
They can be grueling.
“Yeah, I enjoy the gruelling part of it. I think, with this camp I haven’t put as much pressure on myself. It’s been intense but in an enjoyable way.”
That’s great to hear, it’s always a blessing to have fun while you prepare.
From what I’ve seen, you have been travelling to many gyms across the country to add that extra ingredient to your game. It must be a great boost to work with some of the best coaches the UK has there offer?
“Yeah, I think it’s really beneficial, I’m really lucky that I have access to that. It’s due to my coaches and teammate Melissa Dixon. We try to travel because as females, it’s hard to find decent sparring partners who are around your size. It definitely makes a big difference, you can get a lot more done when you’re training with people your own size haha.”
If ever you’re in London, I highly recommend a trip to Brad Pickett’s Great Britain Top Team. They have quite the female squad there. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the visit.
“I’ll keep that in mind, I’d love to, I love to travel around and train. I believe they had some girls in Canada recently at PAWFC.”
They did indeed, Ako Murata and Kerensky Fernandes both made their debut with PAWFC, great fighters.
We are now just a week away from witnessing all the hard work and dedication you have put into preparing for your walk to the cage.
What has been your main focus as you head to war in Birmingham?
“My main focus has obviously been to improve my game. Also to build my confidence, staying relaxed and not putting too much pressure on myself. When I am relaxed and not putting pressure on myself I’m a lot more dangerous, I’d like to implement that in comparison to my last fight haha.”
I’m sure we will see those improvements.
Battle Arena prides itself on playing host to some of the best amateurs and well-rounded professionals for their upcoming shows. What does it mean to you to be a part of the Battle Arena roster?
“It means I have the opportunity to fight hahaha, it’s also a show I’ve watched my teammates fight on before. It’s exciting to go in, having watched them compete before, hoping that I could be in there one day, it’s very exciting.”
You’re in for a treat, they really are a great organisation to fight for.
You are set to face off against Lithuania’s Sima Pacenkaita in a Catchweight bout fight fans will be in high anticipation for. What do you make of Sima in the build-up to your scheduled meeting on October 9th?
“I have no idea what to expect, as far as I’m aware this is her debut in MMA. I don’t even know if she’s southpaw or orthodox, I know that she’s bigger than me probably, because I am not weight cutting for this. I don’t really know what to make of her. I’m just excited to fight haha.”
It’s a food approach, to just focus on yourself and your game.
“Yeah, definitely.”
As previously stated, Battle Arena has played host to some phenomenal athletes over the years, and October 9th will be no different. 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 my teammates, I haven’t actually seen who else is fighting yet. I’m excited to see Lee and Jack from my team Lion’s Gym, Jack’s having his debut and Lee’s going in for his second fight.”
It’s always good to go into battle alongside your teammates.
It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today Alycia, and I look forward to witnessing your journey unfold.
“Cool, thank you very much.”
My pleasure Alycia.
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?
“I’d like to give a shout-out to Lion’s Gym, they’re the reason why I’m here. I hope everyone enjoys it, it’s going to be an exciting fight.
Head over to the Battle Arena website here to grab your tickets, there is also direct access to the PPV if you’re unable to attend.
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