Sara Collins found herself immersed in the world of mixed martial arts on a fateful night at the Etihad Arena. As she watched UFC 193 unfold on the large hanging screens, little did she know that this experience would spark a new chapter in her life. Collins, then a judoka with no prior training in MMA, was there to support her teammate Daniel Kelly. Witnessing the knockout of Ronda Rousey by Holly Holm left a lasting impact on her. Despite seeing a hero fall, Collins felt inspired to take up the challenge of transitioning into MMA.
Collins, a judo practitioner since the age of seven, faced numerous challenges in her athletic journey. Injuries, including three knee surgeries and a snapped Achilles, hindered her progress in judo competitions. These setbacks ultimately led her to pursue a career in MMA. Determined to overcome her physical limitations, Collins embraced the rigorous training and the demands of the MMA world. Despite facing career slowdowns due to injuries, her unwavering spirit kept her focused on her ultimate goal.
Since her professional debut in 2019, Collins has maintained an undefeated record in MMA. With only five fights under her belt, she has shown exceptional skill and determination in each bout. At the age of 34, she is set to headline the Bellator Champions Series main event against Leah McCourt. Collins, though relatively inexperienced in terms of fight frequency, believes that her time spent honing her skills in the last two years will reflect in her upcoming bout.
Drawing inspiration from her coach Daniel Kelly, Collins has embraced a similar path to success in MMA. Despite a late start in the sport, Kelly managed to achieve a commendable record in the UFC. Collins admires Kelly’s transition from judo to MMA and aims to replicate his achievements in her own career. Under Kelly’s guidance, Collins has focused on integrating her judo expertise into her MMA fights, just as her coach did.
As the MMA landscape evolves, with Bellator’s future uncertain following recent acquisitions, Sara Collins remains focused on her immediate goals. A victory over Leah McCourt will undoubtedly elevate her status in the promotion. While speculations loom about potential future matchups, Collins remains dedicated to the task at hand. Her willingness to take on challenges and adapt to new opportunities showcases her readiness for whatever lies ahead in her MMA journey.
Sara Collins’ journey in MMA is a testament to perseverance and passion. From a judoka with a dream to a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts, Collins has overcome adversity and embraced new beginnings. With each fight, she continues to carve out her legacy in the sport, drawing inspiration from her coach and showcasing her skills in the cage. As she prepares for her next battle, the MMA world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the story of Sara Collins.