LFA brings its action to the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minn. on Friday night for yet another thrilling card of bouts.
The LFA 142 main event showcases a women's strawweight title clash as the Brazilian champion Jaqueline Amorim (5-0) looks to defend both her belt and perfect record against Canadian striker and proud member of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Ashley Nichols (4-3).
"I'm thrilled to get another shot at the LFA," Nichols told MMA Empire in an exclusive interview.
"I truly appreciate the chance and everything this experience brings. I can't wait to step into the cage for five rounds—it means the world to chase a championship."
A former GLORY kickboxing standout, Nichols has also claimed multiple world championships and a Canadian national title in Muay Thai. The accomplished striker chose to return to MMA competition earlier this year following a multi-year hiatus from the sport.
Her return bout proved triumphant as she turned back Dana White's Contender Series graduate Hilarie Rose on the very same card where Amorim headlined and captured the strawweight championship.
"It was such a strong showing," Nichols recalled.
"Leading up to the fight, I was wrestling with self-doubt. I questioned my own abilities, my techniques, whether I still had it after such a lengthy layoff. To finally put my skills on display and demonstrate how far I've come was incredible. I'm deeply grateful for that performance and victory—it proves I'm still a genuine competitor with plenty left in the tank."
Now 36, Nichols has been sharpening her craft at the renowned Niagara Top Team since making her return.
Surrounded by elite talent, Nichols keeps pushing herself as a martial artist. The veteran striker has dedicated herself to elevating her grappling game while preserving her elite footwork.
"Camp has been fantastic. There's been a heavy emphasis on wrestling. Hearing so much about the incredible fighters at Niagara Top Team, I made the jump and the rest is history. I've been here for just over a year now. This gym feels like family," Nichols shared.
"My recent losses in Invicta came because I was getting taken down. That was a real struggle to work through. Niagara Top Team runs a wrestling-focused program, so my grappling has grown tremendously. My striking approach has transformed as well—the way I set up feints, use footwork, and think strategically about strikes. I'm no longer just throwing combinations and overwhelming opponents with volume."
Nichols holds deep respect for the pedigree of her upcoming opponent heading into their headline matchup.
Amorim boasts multiple Brazilian jiu-jitsu world championship titles, earned her black belt shortly after turning 20, and has never looked back since. She has finished every bout in the opening round, with four stops coming via submission.
"I absolutely respect her grappling and her jiu-jitsu prowess," Nichols noted.
"That's my first thought when I consider her game. She's got a well-rounded skill set, but I need to stay focused on my own game and leverage my strengths. If it does hit the mat, we've got the answers—but my focus stays on striking and defending takedowns. I used to be a pressure fighter, relying on combinations and forward momentum to overwhelm opponents with every strike. This time around, it's about movement, footwork, controlling range and distance. I need to establish my jab and set up counters."
With her extensive combat background and feeling like she's entering her physical prime, Nichols still harbors ambitions of competing in a major promotion. Winning the LFA strawweight belt on Friday would strengthen her resume and attract the interest of top-tier organizations.
"I genuinely want to represent strength and empowerment and deliver an electrifying performance. Not just to wow the fans, but to inspire people," Nichols expressed.
"I know I'll keep getting better and growing as a fighter. I believe I belong in a big promotion, so that remains a clear goal of mine. I'd welcome any opportunity, but I'll handle things one fight at a time. Each bout matters most. Right now, all I'm thinking about is stepping onto the canvas Friday and giving my absolute best."
Nichols' shoutouts
"Thanks to my coaches, Chris Prickett and Matt Dimarcantonio, all my teammates at Niagara Top Team and my sponsors: Laulau Botanicals, Oneida Organics, Sovereign Smoke Ontario, Experior Financial Group Inc., Smokers Paradise Gift Shop, Thunderbird Trust, Oneida Nation of the Thames, Chippewas of the Thames, Anishinabek Nation, Kliq MMA." Follow Nichols on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
