When styles clash, good things happen. And this matchup promises to deliver.
Edmonton, Alta.-based Jackie MacLean (1-0) has been slotted to square off against Blairmore, Alta.'s Melissa Croden (2-1) during the main card of the Pallas Athena WFC debut show at the Grey Eagle Events Centre in Calgary, Alta., this Saturday.
MacLean earned her professional debut under her belt most recently, closing it out in emphatic fashion with a first-round submission win over Maria Demers at BFL 67.
The victory served as payback for MacLean, who had dropped a decision to Demers in her last amateur bout back in 2019. This time around, she showcased remarkable growth—particularly on the wrestling front—dominating the grappling exchanges.
"That felt incredible, truly something I'd been waiting a while for," MacLean shared with MMA Empire following the bout. "I thought I was ready for that amateur clash the first time around, but I wasn't prepared for how intense it would be. I definitely brought more to my training and it showed."
"I genuinely feel like my wrestling has advanced so much since my last fight. New opportunities are opening up and my timing has sharpened. It's become a lot more instinctive now—I don't have to force it. I keep growing as a fighter, and that continuous evolution is what keeps me hooked."
MacLean and Croden were originally slated to meet back in October 2021, but that bout was called off when the event was scrapped. On the bright side, though, the cancellation gave MacLean extra time to hone her skills at one of Western Canada's top MMA facilities.
"I've essentially been in camp for quite some time because my last two bouts got called," MacLean noted.
"I train at the Little Sweatshop and there's a ton of guys there my size, which is fantastic. I do have a few female training partners too, but it's mostly guys and they're fierce competitors. I've also put in serious time at Frank Lee's Muay Thai for this one, working on my striking with some great partners there. The investment has definitely paid dividends."
A positive mindset, relentless work ethic, and the self-awareness to recognize areas needing work are traits that have driven MacLean's success through her short career.
Competing at bantamweight with a compact build, MacLean has crafted a style that sets up thrilling bouts.
"My grandfather boxed, so I've always dreamed of finishing opponents with my hands," MacLean explained.
"But ultimately, I'm a shorter fighter at 135 pounds. Nearly every opponent towers over me and has the reach advantage, so my approach has always revolved around bridging the gap, staying mobile, and getting inside."
True to form, MacLean anticipates a difficult challenge against someone she deeply respects.
These are exactly the matchups MacLean has been hunting for early in her career.
"I truly believe she's going to be a tough challenge. I actually followed her on Instagram before I even understood what I was capable of," MacLean said.
"We're both always willing to brawl, so fans should get something special. I can't afford to sit still in this one—I won't be a sitting duck. I'm keeping my guard high and staying in motion. She'll want to control distance, and I want the opposite. I have to be active constantly, and that's exactly what I enjoy."
MacLean's shoutouts
"Everyone at Shaved Bears MMA and the whole crew at Frank Lee's." Connect with MacLean on social media: INSTAGRAM
