The goal of the company is to showcase the best female fighters around the world
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It was a huge step in the right direction for women’s MMA.
With its largest crowd to date on Saturday for ‘PAWFC 3’, Pallas Athena Women’s Fighting Championship continues to grow as the first all-female mixed martial arts corporation in Canada.
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The goal of the company is to showcase the best female fighters around the world.
The company aims to grow women in sports for fighters now and in the future. PAWFC COO Jennica Wheeler knows the significance of putting women in sports in the spotlight.
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“It’s extremely important because we have female athletes that are all over the world,” said Wheeler. “And we’re able to give them an opportunity to be showcased.”
The event saw 10 fights, showcasing Muay Thai and MMA at Nutrien Western Event Centre in Calgary. The company had fighters from across the world, including Canada, Greece, France, Australia, Brazil, England and the United States.
The company has also brought in fighters from Poland, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Sweden, Italy and Indonesia for past shows.
“Sometimes when they’re localized, they only just keep fighting the same opponent and they don’t have that growth with new opponents,” Wheeler said. “So when they travel, it gives them opportunities to be able to grow because their opponents are different.”
The show was highlighted by crowning Kate Bacik as the first Pallas Athena flyweight champion, who showed her appreciation for the new title after defeating Brazilian fighter Larissa Carvalho in a unanimous decision.
“This championship means everything to me,” said the 30-year-old fighter from London, England.
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The event also featured two local fighters from Calgary in Muay Thai fights, which was the first time in PAWFC history the fighting style was showcased. Sahez Lohat fought to a no-contest after an illegal knee to the groin of Lethbridge native Ami Lyczewski. Meanwhile, Stephanie Quigg impressed in front of friends and family, defeating Chara Dimitroula in a unanimous decision for her first professional win.
“It feels amazing — I’m on top of the world,” said the local fighter. “It was a great fight — she was super tough.”
The 40-year-old Quigg was a fan favourite throughout her fight, as the raucous crowd desperately wanted to see the hometown girl win in her matchup against her Greek opponent.
“With our gym, we have a really good community,” said Quigg. “So it was really fun to hear everyone cheering for me and knowing that I had big support.”
The hometown hero joined the countless number of fighters and announcers throughout the show that shouted out the Calgarian fans.
Quigg began fighting 15 years ago, when she started Muay Thai across the street from her home because her cousin started fighting. She now trains at Team Smandych, located in southwest Calgary. Not only is she a fighter, however, as she is also a nurse when she is not in the octagon.
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“I think it’s a good stress reliever for me, being both a nurse and a fighter,” Quigg said. “Nursing is more on my caring side, and fighting is my other side.”
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This was Quigg’s first fight for PAWFC, in her third professional matchup. She entered the night with a 0-2 record, losing tough fights to Morgane Pouliot in late 2022 and Kate Clements in 2023. Quigg showed appreciation for the company after the event.
“They’ve been wonderful,” Quigg said of PAWFC. “They care of the fighters, so I’ve loved every minute of it.”
Quigg added she would love to fight for the company again, praising the company for their all-female cards.
The show also brought in special guests to the event as former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, Bellator featherweight champ Cris Cyborg and former Invicta FC featherweight queen Felicia Spencer.
The company announced during the event that ‘PAWFC 4’ is set for Sept. 21.
PACK-A-PUNCH
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France fighter Oceane Samson opened the night by defeating India-UK fighter Kerensky Fernandes via unanimous decision … Vancouver native Victoria Bogdan defeated Toronto fighter Brenda Vargas in a unanimous decision … B.C.’s Khaya MacKillop defeated Florida-born Miranda Barber via a submission victory in Round 3 … Danielle Curtis from Australia defeated UK’s Lexi Rook in the third-round via submission … Canadian Regan Gowing outlasted Maria Nella for the unanimous decision victory … B.C.’s Robyn Dunne earned the victory against U.S. fighter Sosha Rockwood … Fighting in her third PAWFC fight, American Andy Nguyen fought hard and defeated Michigan native Kyna Sisson in a unanimous decision.
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