Calgary's Melissa Croden and Kelowna's Sierra Dinwoodie boast identical records of finishes, setting up what promises to be a must-watch clash.
Croden (2-0) and Dinwoodie (3-0) will meet in an amateur catchweight bout at 150 pounds, headlining Saturday night's action at Rumble in the Cage 57 in Lethbridge.
Even though Dinwoodie represents the stiffest challenge Croden has faced, the 26-year-old said she's approaching this bout with the same approach that has served her well so far, training primarily at 101 Academy.
"I treat every fight camp like I'm going in there to fight Cris Cyborg," said Croden in an interview.
"I'm treating it like I'm about to fight the baddest girl on the planet. I try to keep that mindset in every fight camp, and I try to over-estimate my opponent."
Recognizing Dinwoodie's versatile skill set, Croden acknowledged she's focused heavily on expanding her own game.
Against a fighter as accomplished as Dinwoodie, Croden admitted the outcome could unfold in any direction, and she's ready for every possibility.
"This training camp is definitely taking me down some avenues I've kind of been avoiding in past camps," said Croden.
"I've really been confronting areas that are long overdue for this fight."
Croden expects Dinwoodie to come out aggressively and hunt for takedowns early, though she's also bracing for the possibility of a stand-up slugfest.
She's working hard to avoid tunnel vision on any single scenario, knowing anything can shift the moment the cage doors lock.
"That's the beauty of MMA; you're never really going to know until it happens," said Croden.
"For all I know, she could be training some crazy spinning hook kick and come out with that, and I would have no way of preparing for that."
Dinwoodie Provides Tough Test
Dinwoodie has ended all three of her previous bouts before the two-minute mark of the opening round, yet despite that history of swift finishes, she's bracing for a longer affair this time.
While she appreciates the ability to quickly dispatch opponents, Dinwoodie recognizes Croden holds the same potential, so she's mentally prepared for a grueling contest.
Tail of the Tape – Sierra Dinwoodie – https://t.co/ZQvcV0gcki – #SierraDinwoodie #MMA #Knockout pic.twitter.com/qPmcBbEyrN
— BDA Radio (@bda_radio) September 25, 2017
"I'm ready to go the full fight, and if I can seize the opportunity sooner, I definitely will," said Dinwoodie in an interview.
The bout between Dinwoodie and Croden was originally booked for September, but Croden withdrew after sustaining an injury.
Even after the cancellation, Dinwoodie maintained her training intensity, refusing to ease up as she might have otherwise.
"I've struggled to find fights in the past, so I always try to show up to the gym, whether I have something scheduled or not, with the mindset I'll be ready for anything, anytime," said Dinwoodie.
"Having something scheduled to look forward to is just that extra motivation to be ready."
Dinwoodie has been training primarily out of RDC jiu-jitsu in preparation for this fight.
Looking ahead past this contest, Dinwoodie revealed the idea of turning professional is weighing heavily on her mind.
While nothing has been finalized, she expressed confidence that her experience and success as an amateur means she's approaching readiness for the professional level.
"I know turning professional is going to put me in another league of fighters. Up the risk and the up the reward, and I'm ready for all of it," said Dinwoodie.
"The more I get in the cage, the more I want to be involved with the sport, and I know this is what I want to do as a profession and a career. It's a passion."
