Regardless of the person standing across from her inside the octagon, Melissa Croden maintains a deep sense of respect for whoever opposes her.
This Saturday evening, Crowsnest Pass' Croden (1-0) will host North Carolina's Elizabeth Schroder (0-0) inside the cage at Fight Night 12 in Lethbridge, Alta. for a women's bantamweight matchup.
Croden, 28, had been slated to take on Ana Maria Pal initially, but Pal was pulled from the card, giving Schroder the opportunity to step in and make her pro debut.
Even with the late changeover on just short of two weeks' warning, Croden insisted her training routine and mental approach haven't budged.
"I try to treat it the same way I would any other fight. I always aim to show the utmost respect possible toward whoever I'm facing because that's what they're owed," Croden told MMA Empire in a recent interview.
"You don't truly know what someone can do until you step foot in the cage with them. My trainer and I often discuss how you should view every opponent as a reflection of yourself. You need to put in the same amount of work they do, so treat each person as though they're the greatest martial artist alive."
Beyond her amateur days, Croden has managed roughly two bouts annually over the last few years despite occasionally struggling to secure matchups.
While a higher fight count might normally be preferred, Croden noted she stays composed and doesn't dwell when a bout gets cancelled or falls apart.
"I believe these situations unfold for a reason—to build me up for what's ahead," Croden explained.
"I've faced plenty of fierce competitors, though perhaps some lacked the background I've accumulated. Moving forward, I'll be stepping against women who combine toughness with the experience and abilities I possess. That's the direction I'm focused on, instead of forcing my way to the top."
Following a flawless 5-0 amateur run, Croden launched her pro journey at Fight Night 11 in September, capturing a third-round TKO against Jolinne Maissonueve.
Stepping into her second pro outing with firsthand knowledge of amateur versus pro differences, Croden said the professional rule set meshes better with her fighting style.
"It felt great having those extra two minutes because three minutes flies by for me," Croden said.
"Those additional two minutes provide just enough time to set up techniques, gauge my opponent's responses, watch how they move around. It genuinely works in my favour."
After debuting with Fight Night back in September, Croden inked a five-fight agreement with the promotion, which kicks off this weekend's matchup.
Croden expressed satisfaction with the deal she committed to and sees it as the optimal path to advance her career.
"When they extended the contract offer following my previous fight, I took a week or two to sit on it—I didn't want to lock myself into anything blindly—but the agreement includes language stating that if major promotions come calling, they'll release me," Croden shared.
"It's a solid arrangement that keeps me constantly fight-ready. They've poured enormous effort into matching me with suitable opponents, so I feel fortunate to have this contract."
Croden's Shoutouts
"I want to acknowledge everyone at Crowsnest Martial Arts, my head coach Dan Miller, all the ladies I spar with at our gym, Lee Mein, everyone connected to CMC, and my parents." Connect with Croden online: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
