Southampton female MMA fighter claims first title fight

MMA fighter holds belt after victory

A female mixed martial arts fighter from Southampton has earned her first title victory in only her second fight in the octagon.

Twenty-eight year old Monique Edwards from NGMA gym Southampton fought against Louise Bennett on Saturday, beating her after five rounds by unanimous decision.

The event took place at the Lordswood Leisure Centre in Chatam, Kent, in front of a crowd of around 1,000 spectators.

Her opponent, Louise Bennett out of Rough Diamonds MMA, was ranked 13th in the country heading into the fight holding a record of 5-2-0 (Win-Loss-Draw).

Despite the experience of her opponent, Monique held her own exceptionally well, dominating five rounds with a calm and collected performance.

Edwards spoke with SportsHub following the fight:

“I was quite confident, but only really because I was being told by my corner [Where competitors go at the end of each round and speak to their coaches] that it was mine and that I just needed to get to the end. And in my heart, I trust them.”

Monique Edwards

Monique is now maintaining her training and coaching at NGMA gym Southampton where she focusses ahead on her next fight.

MMA fighter Edwards celebrates with belt after victory