Securing a fight hasn't been straightforward during the pandemic era, yet Megan Owen remains convinced that dedication and optimism will eventually open doors. Now she's ready to prove that philosophy on the world's biggest stage.
Windsor, Ont.'s Owen (1-0) returns to the cage for the second time in her pro career, taking on Brazil's Jaqueline Amorim (3-0) in women's strawweight competition at LFA 110 in Shawnee, Okla. on Friday night.
"We've been under lockdown back home for nearly a year, so training has been tough and finding fights even harder," Owen shared in a conversation with MMA Empire. "But I kept believing something good would come if I just kept grinding."
"That's been my mindset through it all, and now I have this chance with the LFA and I feel incredibly lucky. What a spectacular event it promises to be. It feels like a dream turning into reality to perform on such a prestigious platform. It's genuinely surreal, and I can't wait."
Nerves are inevitable before any bout, but Owen, 34, believes her preparation has given her real assurance entering her second professional outing, particularly with her current team and training situation.
"This camp has been outstanding—I got to stay in Miami and wrap up my preparations at MMA Masters," Owen explained.
"I've spent the past three weeks focused purely on training, living in the dorms, embracing the full fighter experience. I'm so thankful and grateful to be going through this right now."
Florida has become a major hub for top-tier MMA facilities, and MMA Masters stands among them.
Elevating her game by training alongside elite athletes at MMA Masters has proven transformative for Owen, and she says her progress is visible every single day.
"We've put significant emphasis on my striking and wrestling, and my jiu-jitsu has gotten much stronger overall," Owen noted.
"Mentally, I think for any fighter it comes down to self-belief and trusting your own abilities. Physically, I'm feeling great heading into this matchup."
Opposite Owen on fight night stands the highly-accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Amorim.
Since each of Amorim's three victories have ended via submission in round one, Owen knows she's in for a serious challenge.
"I haven't reviewed much of Jaqueline's MMA footage, but I understand she's a very accomplished and elite BJJ practitioner," Owen observed.
"I'm expecting a tough contest, but one I'm thankful for. It's an incredible opportunity."
Fully aware of Amorim's grappling pedigree, the Ontario native says she plans to exploit striking exchanges where she believes her opponent will feel less secure.
"When preparing for someone, you're always working on defending their attacks while also sharpening skills where they may be less comfortable," Owen said.
"I'd probably point toward striking for now, though MMA always keeps you guessing, so we'll find out how it unfolds. We expect her to push for the ground game based on what we've observed, but I feel strong everywhere in the cage and I'll be prepared for anything."
Opening LFA 110 represents the greatest chance Owen has encountered so far in her budding career, and she intends to leverage it as a launching pad toward her next chapter as a pro.
"Once you begin competing, you always strive to reach the next rung," Owen reflected.
"For me, my primary objective is to earn a spot in the UFC or simply become the finest athlete I possibly can, and this is where the journey begins."
Owen's Shoutouts
"Myelin management, all my coaches and training partners, and my family here at MMA Masters!" Follow Owen on social media: INSTAGRAM
