Canadian Bantamweight Melissa Scare Croden’s Leap of Faith Yields Successful Results
Canadian bantamweight fighter Melissa Scare Croden has made significant strides in her martial arts career, showcasing her determination and skills in the ring. Her journey began when she started training at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand, where she was coached by former UFC fighter Roger Huerta and brothers Frank and George Hickman.
Balancing Career and Training
Upon returning to Alberta, Croden decided to reduce her work hours to focus on her fighting career. This commitment paid off when she made her amateur debut in September 2016, winning her first fight against Liz Jackson with a third-round stoppage. Croden described the moment as exhilarating, despite the nerves she felt representing herself in the ring.
Professional Transition
After three years in the amateur circuit, Croden stepped into professional MMA fighting. She holds a professional record of 6 wins and 2 losses. Among her recent performances, Croden has won two consecutive fights against Katharina Lehner and Ashley Deen, stamping her authority in the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA).
Notable Challenges and Progress
- April 2023: Lost a five-round decision to Jacqueline Cavalcanti for the LFA bantamweight title.
- Cavalcanti now competes in the UFC, currently ranked 11th among 135-pound contenders.
Reacting to her loss, Croden stated the importance of getting back into the win column, which she successfully accomplished. She was determined to keep training in anticipation of an opportunity in the UFC.
Upcoming Fight and Expectations
Recently, Croden received the call to fight on a Vancouver card. Her upcoming opponent is a skilled Brazilian fighter with accolades in Muay Thai. Croden noted that she expects a challenging fight but believes her footwork will be advantageous. Standing at 5’10”, she has a three-inch height advantage over her opponent.
Training and Preparation
Croden has extensively trained across various facilities, including Alavanca and Rocky Mountain Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Calgary. For this fight camp, she trained in Las Vegas at Xtreme Couture and the UFC Performance Institute. She values the support she receives from her main training partner Hailey Cowan, who will be in her corner during the fight.
Background in Martial Arts
Growing up, Croden was not interested in team sports but later embraced martial arts. She started with taekwondo at age 11, transitioning into kickboxing a few years later. Her passion for the sport reemerged in her adult years, proving that her dedication and hard work have prepared her for her current career in mixed martial arts.
With her nickname “Scare,” Croden’s journey in combat sports continues to evolve as she aims to make her mark in the UFC. She eagerly anticipates her upcoming fight, confident that she belongs on this competitive stage.
