After nearly a year away from action, Bellator featherweight contender Jessy Miele (9-5) from New England is thrilled to finally be fight week, just days before stepping inside the octagon.
Miele takes on MMA trailblazer and ex-UFC competitor Sarah Kaufman (21-5) in the BTC 13 main event this Saturday evening.
"I'm thrilled to finally get this shot," Miele shared with MMA Empire.
"There's no substitute for fight week energy—the anticipation of finally getting in there. I've got plenty to prove to my supporters, my camp, and myself."
Having faced elite opponents across the featherweight landscape, Miele has never hesitated when a tough matchup came knocking.
Following yet another split verdict, she's convinced the judges won't be needed for this bout, believing her stand-up game has evolved significantly.
"I refuse to lose another decision," Miele made clear.
"I'm finished with heartbreakingly close callouts. I've poured everything into sharpening my craft over the last twelve months. Through injury setbacks, I've kept pushing my development beyond the gym walls. My striking has truly elevated, and I'll bring a completely different fighter into that cage."
At 36, Miele insists the version of herself fans will see Saturday won't resemble the one who suffered back-to-back unanimous decision defeats.
The currently ninth-ranked Bellator featherweight makes her promotional debut for BTC, though she remains signed to Bellator.
"I'm still under contract with Bellator," Miele explained. "Matchmaking logistics didn't align, and circumstances prevented us from booking a Bellator card fight. My team struck a deal with Scott Coker to secure a contest until I can return to Bellator's roster."
Miele faces Kaufman, a former UFC, Invicta, and Strikeforce competitor. The veteran hasn't competed since 2019, marking a two-year absence from MMA competition.
Still, Miele doesn't expect the layoff to dull Kaufman's offensive capabilities.
"She's genuinely exceptional in this sport," Miele noted.
"Defeating her would represent a major milestone for my career trajectory. I doubt the time away impacts her substantially—she's undoubtedly been grinding in training. I expect to see the absolute best version of Kaufman this weekend."
