Saturday night is set to deliver a historic moment.
For the first time in the organization's history, a pair of female fighters will headline a Battlefield Fight League card when Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels (1-0) squares off against Christina Ricker (0-0) at BFL 57 in Coquitlam, B.C.
The 28-year-old Horth Wessels described reaching the top of a BFL card as a remarkable achievement, especially considering it's happening so soon in her professional journey—a milestone she admits she hadn't anticipated.
"It's a pretty cool milestone, even just for women in general being in such a male-dominated sport," said Horth Wessels in an interview.
"I was pretty excited and surprised at first, but I've just been treating it the same way as if I was fighting anywhere else on the card."
Beyond the prestige of headlining, Horth Wessels has the added advantage of competing just under 40 minutes from her hometown of Squamish, B.C.
Being from a smaller community, she noted that locals rally around their athletes in whatever ways they can, and that deep-rooted support has been a powerful motivator throughout her athletic career.
"I have a lot of support from local fans and sponsors that really like to see me succeed," said Horth Wessels.
"I have a pretty good support group and I really feel like that's my motivation for why I do the things I do and where I am today."
Horth Wessels remains undefeated across both her professional and amateur records, with her professional debut ending in her first non-decision victory.
She credited the professional level for shaping her into a sharper, more dangerous competitor and expressed confidence that this bout won't go to the scorecards.
"Becoming a pro has changed my game style more into my favour, plus I've been training like a professional right from the get-go," said Horth Wessels.
"I feel like I'm able to showcase my true talents, and I don't foresee this fight making it through all the rounds."
Ricker More Than Ready for Pro Debut
In much the same vein as Horth Wessels, Ricker, 28, isn't planning to extend her time inside the octagon Saturday evening—she sees a finish coming.
Fighting out of Knoxville, TN, Ricker said her amateur career featured several decisions, and she's eager to launch her pro campaign with a decisive result.
"I think it's going to be explosive. I hope she throws hands, because I'm going to throw hands," said Ricker in an interview.
"I'm down as long as we don't go to decision, girl. Let's fire it up."
Even though this marks her professional debut, Ricker brings a substantial amateur resume, having compiled a 4-4 mark during her amateur tenure.
While this is her first official outing as a professional, she insisted that her preparation for this moment began well before stepping into the pro ranks.
"I take things very seriously. My amateur record was to get me to my professional record, so I wanted to walk through my amateur career like a professional and behaving as a professional," said Ricker.
"I fought some very high-calibre women in my amateur career who are now high-calibre professionals, so I don't feel like I've been pitter-pattering at all on the amateur side."
This fight marks Ricker's fourth main event appearance, with her prior three outings headlining all-amateur cards.
Upon learning she'd be the main event of her inaugural professional bout, Ricker said she was blown away by the news and hadn't expected the honor.
"I actually called my coach to see if it was really happening because it's amazing," said Ricker.
"To be travelling so far and to be headlining the event, I'm super honoured and it really puts a fire under me to put on a good show."
Horth Wessels' Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank all my sponsors: Anytime Fitness, Grindhouse Athletics, Wall 2 Wall Flooring, Summit Concrete, Reflex Supplements, Universal MMA, Checkmat Vancouver, D A Horth Contracting, Dr. Amber Kirk at Sky High Lifestyles."
Ricker's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my team and my coaches at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy: Eric Turner, Joey Zonar and Taylor Turner. These folks made me what I am today. I'd also like to thank Frankie Padilla and Chloe Padilla at Frankie's Body Shop for kicking my butt daily to make me a better athlete and make sure I can go the distance in the cage. Finally, I'd like to thank my sponsor 7Five Clothing Company."
