A young Suffolk fighter has the chance to announce herself as a force on the national stage when she steps into the ring later this month.
Hannah Turner, 18, faces the respected Bryony Tyrell in a 56kgs K1 scrap at the Super Fight Series at St Albans Arena on Sunday, November 12.
Tyrell is a real rising star of the UK MMA scene, boasting a 4-1-1 pro record, and was recently the straw weight champion of the renowned Colchester-based BCMMA promotion.
She lost that belt to Ultimate Fighter veteran Kate Jackson, and most recently fought to a draw with another former star of the UFC’s reality show, Lanchana Green.
While this fight is a K1 kickboxing battle - meaning no takedowns or submissions – a win over a ‘name’ like Tyrell, with highlights due to be shown on Sky Sports, would be a huge statement for Turner, who fights out of Unit 1 Gym in Bury St Edmunds.
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She said: “This fight is a massive opportunity to get my name out there and have a chance of beating a big name within the sport.
“It should open up some doors to other K1 and Muay Thai fights in the UK and around the world, which will help me progress even further as a fighter.
“I’m expecting the fight to be very high tempo. I don’t think she will have much power but she’ll be relatively quick and flicky with her shots.
“I know she’s a big name within MMA although, having only ever had stand-up fights, I believe I may have an edge over her in that respect.”
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University of Suffolk student Turner has had more than 50 fights in total, but feels she is starting to come into her own as a fighter.
“I’ve had a difficult year getting fights, with people pulling out and having injuries to deal with,” she explained. “But that has given me time to work on my strength and other areas which needed to be improved.
“I’ve always fought the big names – most of which I’ve lost to, but it has never been by much and has always given me so much to work on, which I am hoping will all show in this fight.
“After this I’m hoping to get on some bigger shows and start to get more fights abroad. I want to get as much experience as possible.
“I’d just like to thank everyone who helps me achieve my goals, enables me to train for these fights and supports me every step of the way.
“I couldn’t do it without them, and I will hopefully make them proud on November 12.”
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