Casey O’Neill is an exceptional MMA fighter making a name for herself in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Competing in the flyweight division, O’Neill has quickly established herself as a formidable force in the octagon.
Born on October 7, 1997, this Australian fighter possesses an impressive skill set that has led her to success in the world of mixed martial arts. Standing at 5 ft 6 in and weighing 125 lb, O’Neill’s physical prowess is matched by her technical abilities.
From a young age, O’Neill immersed herself in combat sports, starting with kickboxing at the age of four. Over time, she honed her skills and expanded her repertoire by training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 13.
In 2019, O’Neill made her professional debut and swiftly climbed the ranks, securing victories both in Australia and on the international stage. Her impressive performances have earned her a spot in the top 15 rankings of the UFC women’s flyweight division.
Early Life and Career
Casey O’Neill, born in Irvine, Scotland, and raised in Kilmarnock, had a unique upbringing surrounded by a family deeply rooted in the world of kickboxing. With her father being a professional kickboxer, O’Neill was introduced to the sport at a young age. Her passion for martial arts grew as she embarked on her kickboxing training, honing her skills and technique.
O’Neill’s journey took a significant turn when she discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 13. Recognizing the importance of grappling and ground-based techniques, she devoted herself to mastering this discipline alongside her kickboxing training.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Casey O’Neill’s mixed martial arts career has been nothing short of impressive since making her UFC debut. She has showcased her skills and determination with a series of victories in the flyweight division, quickly climbing the rankings and earning a spot among the top 15 fighters in her weight class.
After making her professional debut in 2019, O’Neill wasted no time in making a name for herself. She started by securing victories in the domestic circuit in Australia before stepping onto the international stage with the UAE Warriors promotion. It was in her UFC debut that O’Neill truly made her mark, delivering a second-round knockout victory over Shana Dobson.
Since then, O’Neill has continued to impress, defeating established fighters like Antonina Shevchenko and Roxanne Modafferi. Her well-rounded skills and determination have allowed her to secure wins through various methods, including knockouts, submissions, and decisions. With an impressive professional record of 9 wins and 1 loss, O’Neill has firmly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
Notable UFC Fights
Casey O’Neill’s UFC career has been marked by impressive performances against notable opponents. One of her notable fights was against Lara Procópio at UFC on ESPN: The Korean Zombie vs. Ige. In this match, O’Neill showcased her skills and determination, ultimately winning the fight by choking Procópio unconscious in the third round.
Another significant bout for O’Neill was her fight against Antonina Shevchenko at UFC Fight Night: Santos vs. Walker. O’Neill demonstrated her prowess in the octagon and secured a victory with a technical knockout in the second round. Her impressive performance earned her the Performance of the Night award, solidifying her status as a rising star in the flyweight division.
In her most recent fight against Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 271, O’Neill faced a tough opponent and emerged victorious via a split decision. The fight was closely contested, with all 19 media outlets scoring the fight in O’Neill’s favor. This win further cemented O’Neill’s position as one of the top fighters in the UFC women’s flyweight division.
Championships and Accomplishments
Throughout her impressive mixed martial arts career, Casey O’Neill has achieved several notable championships and accomplishments. Her outstanding performance against Antonina Shevchenko earned her the prestigious UFC Performance of the Night award. This recognition further solidifies O’Neill’s position as a rising star in the flyweight division.
In addition to her UFC accolades, O’Neill held the Eternal MMA Strawweight Championship, showcasing her dominance in the Australian MMA scene. With one successful title defense, O’Neill proved her ability to compete at a high level and establish herself as a skilled and formidable fighter.
Professional Record
Casey O’Neill has an impressive professional record of 9 wins and 1 loss in her MMA career. She has faced tough opponents in various promotions, showcasing her skills and determination inside the cage. O’Neill’s record includes victories in notable events such as UFC 271, UFC Fight Night, and UAE Warriors.
Among her wins, O’Neill has secured victories by knockout, submission, and decision, demonstrating her versatility as a fighter. Her memorable performances include a second-round knockout victory over Shana Dobson in her UFC debut and a split decision win against Roxanne Modafferi. O’Neill has proven herself to be a well-rounded athlete, capable of adapting her game plan to different opponents.
“I always aim to finish my fights, whether it’s by knockout or submission. But I’m also prepared to go the distance and make a statement with a dominant decision victory. I believe in my skills and training, and I’m always looking to showcase them in the best way possible.” – Casey O’Neill
Upcoming Fight
Casey O’Neill was initially scheduled to face Viviane Araújo at UFC 293, but unfortunately, she had to withdraw from the bout due to injury. It was a highly anticipated fight, and fans were excited to see O’Neill take on another tough opponent in the flyweight division. However, injuries are a part of the sport, and fighters prioritize their health and recovery above all else.
Although O’Neill’s fight with Araújo did not come to fruition, there is still excitement surrounding her upcoming bout. The UFC has rebooked Araújo for a new matchup, and fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of O’Neill’s next opponent.
As of now, O’Neill is scheduled to face Ariane Lipski on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296. Lipski is known for her aggressive style and has had success in the flyweight division. It promises to be an intriguing matchup and an opportunity for O’Neill to showcase her skills once again. Both fighters will be looking to make a statement and secure a victory in this highly competitive division.
