Cory McKenna, born on July 11, 1999, in Cwmbran, Wales, is a professional mixed martial artist competing as a strawweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). McKenna has a record of 8 wins and 2 losses, showcasing her skills and dedication to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Cory McKenna, born on July 11, 1999, in Cwmbran, Wales, had a unique upbringing in Colchester, England. Her childhood was shaped by her father’s role in the army, which led to frequent relocations. Despite the constant change, McKenna discovered her passion for martial arts at a young age.
At the age of 10, McKenna began her journey in martial arts with karate training. As she grew older, her dedication and talent led her to explore various disciplines, including Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and boxing. At just 13 years old, she transitioned to mixed martial arts, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
McKenna’s commitment to her craft was unwavering. Balancing her training with occasional coaching opportunities, she worked tirelessly to fund her fights and pursue a full-time career as an athlete. As an amateur, she achieved an impressive record of 7-0 and claimed championships at both strawweight and featherweight divisions.
Rise in the World of MMA
Cory McKenna’s professional career in mixed martial arts has been nothing short of impressive. After making her debut at Cage Warriors 91 in March 2018, she quickly established herself as a rising star in the sport. McKenna secured a victory in her debut fight against Maria Vittoria Colonna via retirement in the first round, displaying her skills and determination. She followed it up with a split decision win against Eva Dourthe at Cage Warriors 94, further solidifying her place in the MMA scene.
Although McKenna experienced her first defeat in September 2018, losing via split decision to Micol Di Segni at Cage Warriors 97, she didn’t let it deter her. She bounced back with impressive performances, including wins against Fannie Redman and Giulia Chinello at Cage Warriors 104 and 105, respectively. McKenna’s resilience and ability to learn from setbacks have been key factors in her rise in the world of MMA.
In addition to her success in Cage Warriors, McKenna earned an opportunity to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series, a platform where promising fighters can showcase their skills in front of UFC President Dana White. Her performance on the show caught the attention of the UFC, leading to her signing with the promotion. McKenna made her highly anticipated UFC debut and continues to make waves in the strawweight division, displaying her determination and proving herself on the biggest stage in the sport.
UFC Journey and Recent Fights
Cory McKenna’s career in the UFC has been a testament to her resilience and determination. Since joining the promotion, she has faced tough opponents and showcased her skills inside the Octagon. With a record of 1 win and 1 loss in the UFC, McKenna continues to use each fight as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
In her second UFC bout, McKenna went up against Elise Reed at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall. The fight was a closely contested battle, with both fighters displaying their technical abilities. Ultimately, McKenna fell short and lost the fight via split decision. However, this setback did not deter her.
McKenna quickly bounced back and proved her resilience in her most recent fight against Miranda Granger at UFC on ESPN: Santos vs. Hill. Displaying her well-rounded skills, McKenna showcased her grappling abilities and secured a submission victory in the second round with a shoulder choke. This win not only showcased her ability to adapt and evolve as a fighter but also highlighted her determination to come back stronger after a loss.
Personal Life and Future Prospects
Aside from her flourishing fighting career, Cory McKenna also has a vibrant personal life that showcases her diverse interests. In addition to being a formidable athlete, McKenna is also a talented painter, using her creativity to express herself outside the cage. Fans can catch a glimpse of her artwork on her Instagram account, where she regularly shares her latest creations.
McKenna’s passion for both martial arts and the arts underscores her versatility and multifaceted nature. As she continues to grow and evolve as a fighter, her future prospects in the world of MMA look promising. With her impressive skills, unwavering dedication, and ability to overcome challenges, McKenna is poised to make her mark in the UFC strawweight division.
