Beyond a championship strap, Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels has plenty more riding on this bout.
Saturday evening brings a pivotal moment for Squamish's Horth Wessels (3-0), who will pursue her maiden professional championship in a clash against Jade Masson-Wong (3-1) for the BFL women's flyweight title at BFL 65 in Vancouver, B.C.
A win would crown Horth Wessels, 29, as BFL women's flyweight champion, improve her record to 4-0, and possibly position her for a shot at the UFC.
"I see this fight as a chance to cement something for myself," said Horth Wessels during an MMA Empire interview. "If not, perhaps one more bout. There aren't many women carrying 4-0 or 5-0 marks right now, and the 125-pound division is still fairly young, so there's definitely space for rising talent."
"Whether that's a call-up from a bigger promotion following this bout, or the Contender Series later this year."
Opening her professional run, Horth Wessels has taken on formidable opposition, stopping Coralie Dixon, Christina Ricker, and most recently Corinne Laframboise, each before the closing bell.
Though thrilled to earn her first title opportunity, Horth Wessels admitted she's also relieved she didn't leap straight into a championship bout early in her professional journey.
"Being 3-0 as a pro and stepping into my fourth fight for a belt is a solid situation for me," said Horth Wessels.
"I'm glad no one offered me a championship shot until now. Earning more professional experience before getting a title shot helped me grow into a complete fighter."
A New Edition of Horth Wessels
Throughout her career, Horth Wessels has showcased an impressive array of skills, securing victories via both submissions and strikes.
Preparing for the clash with Masson-Wong, Horth Wessels feels her stand-up has reached a completely different caliber, largely due to her training alongside Dan Golkar at Scorpion MMA.
"Training with my striking coach Dan has been transformative," said Horth Wessels. "I've uncovered elements of my game that I believe will significantly enhance my punching accuracy, footwork, and ring awareness."
"After this camp, my striking is genuinely operating at a different tier."
Outside of her latest outing at TKO 48, Horth Wessels has competed throughout her entire career—both amateur and professional—in her home province of British Columbia.
Returning to compete in front of her hometown crowd, Horth Wessels said this is precisely where she wants to be in her career at this point.
"Traveling is wonderful, but I'm genuinely looking forward to competing at home surrounded by my family. Coming from a small community, I have an incredible support network here in Squamish," said Horth Wessels.
"My guiding philosophy has always been 'it takes a village.' Being at home during this crucial phase of my career development is exactly what I need."
Horth Wessels' Acknowledgements
"I want to express my gratitude to my coaches (Kasey Smith, Cole Smith, Dan Golkar, Jesse Bifano), training partners, fellow athletes I train with at Checkmat Vancouver, Revolution Martial Arts and Titan MMA, my sponsors (Wall 2 Wall Carpet & Flooring, Summit Concrete Specialties, True North Labour, Alpine Hand Clinic, Viola Mobile Barber, Kelly Jian Contracting, Edward Archibald, True Grit Drywall, Black Widow Entertainment, Unwind Human Performance Clinic, Anytime Fitness, Reflex Supplements, Jean at Tauri Builders) and everyone in the town of Squamish." Follow Horth Wessels on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
