Cory Mckenna and her sparring partners
Cory and her sparring partners

Cory McKenna’s phone buzzed with a text message three weeks ago with an invite to fight at the UFC Apex in America on Dana White’s Contender Series. The Cwmbran-based fighter landed in Las Vegas last weekend for the fight of her life.

She plans to take her record of four wins (one loss) to five wins- but there is a bigger prize up for grabs.

Dana White is the president of UFC and his Contender Series is a chance for up and coming fighters to get a contract with UFC. The 21-year-old told Cwmbran Life that the text was a surprise but she never stops training and “can’t wait” to step into the octagon.

“Fortunately, where I train consistently I am always ready to take any opportunity. I have been training multiple times a day, every day through lockdown. I have also been fortunate enough to have high-level training partners also preparing for fights, meaning I am still getting pushed day in, day out.”

Cory Mckenna doing a media interview
Cory doing a media interview

“It has been a little bit chaotic with trying to get medicals and visas organised but now that I am out here I am looking forward to a few chilled days of padwork and time with my team.”

MMA fighter Cory McKenna
Cory winning one of her earlier fights

“There are five fights on the show with the winners having the opportunity to impress Dana White for a UFC contract. I have my main training partners Charlie Falco, Jack Mason and Urijah Faber from Team Alpha Male here so am fully prepared and surrounded by the best team possible. I can’t wait.”

Read this guide to Season 4 of Dana White’s Contender Series. Her opponent is Vanessa Demopolous. The bill starts at 1am (UK time) on Wednesday 12 August and can be watched on ESPN.

Cory Mckenna walking into the UFC Apex
Cory walking into the UFC Apex

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *