PAWFC III brings back women’s MMA action to Calgary

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Saturday night’s alright for fighting …

That’s why PAWFC III is returning to Calgary later this week.

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The mixed martial arts card Saturday at the Nutrien Western Events Centre, featuring the world’s best female MMA fighters, is the biggest event of the year for Pallas Athena Women’s Fighting Championship.

The third annual event in the city will also feature a few MMA legends — including former UFC light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell, MMA grand-slam queen Cris Cyborg and celebrity commentator and former Invicta FC featherweight champion Felicia Spencer — guaranteeing MMA fans and thrill-seekers an adrenaline-pumping show.

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“We have received substantial support from the wider MMA community, and we’re thrilled to have several MMA legends attending PAWFC III in Calgary this year to support these phenomenal female fighters,” said Jennica Wheeler, COO, PAWFC. “Since the origination of Pallas Athena Women Fighting Championship, we’re always looking for ways to shine a spotlight on the world’s best female MMA fighters and demonstrate the power that can be unleashed at an all-women’s fighting competition.”

That power?

It’s 26 world-class fighters in training for the 2024 Calgary event. 

There’s a flyweight title match pitting Larissa Mayara Carvalho (Brazil) versus Kate Bacik (UK). 

The pro MMA strawweight match is between Elin Öberg, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter of all Nordic women, versus Alice ‘MKZ’ Michalkiewicz, a top-20 pound-for-pound female fighter in France and top 50 in all of Europe who is currently on a three-fight win streak. 

The PAWFC MMA amateur fight features USA fighter Sosha Rockwood and Canadian fighter Robyn Dunne.

Additional fighters set to enter the Calgary ring include Lexi ‘Lady Koszmar’ Rook, a top-10 pound-for-pound fighter in the UK/Ireland, and perennial fan favourite — and one of MMA’s brightest personalities — Andy ‘The Crasian’ Nguyen. 

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And while the 145-lb. featherweight category has been eliminated by some associations, PAWFC is maintaining the category, shining a spotlight on USA fighter Miranda ‘She-Hulk’ Barber and Canada’s own Khaya MacKillop. 

“It’s exciting to witness the growth of women’s MMA, especially in Calgary, which is allowing us to provide an opportunity for female fighters to showcase their abilities in the cage,” said Liddell, who will host meet and greets for all fans with VIP access. “Pallas Athena provides a solid platform for these women to demonstrate their passion and heart, bringing women’s MMA to the forefront of combat sports.”

New this year, Pallas Athena is excited to announce the addition of Muay Thai to Calgary’s championship event. As one of the most effective striking disciplines on the planet, competitors will engage in ‘Art of Eight Limbs,’ using their fists, elbows, knees and legs. 

Fans will not want to miss the Muay Thai match ups, including Victoria Bogden versus Brenda Vargas and Stephanie Quigg versus Chara Dimitoula.

For more information on this year’s event, or to purchase tickets, visit Showpass. 

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The event will also be available to watch on pay-per-view at Millions.co.

General admission tickets can also be upgraded to add a meet and greet with Liddell.

— Postmedia news services

PAWFC III CARD

• Pro MMA strawweight title match — Elin Öberg v. Alice ‘MKZ’ Michalkiewicz

• Flyweight title match — Larissa Mayara Carvalho v. Kate Bacik

• PAWFC MMA amateur fight — Sosha Rockwood v. Robyn Dunne

• 145-lb. featherweight fight — Miranda ‘She-Hulk’ Barber v. Khaya MacKillop

• Muay Thai — Victoria Bogden v. Brenda Vargas

• Muay Thai — Stephanie Quigg v. Chara Dimitoula

• Lexi ‘Lady Koszmar’ Rook v. Andy ‘The Crasian’ Nguyen

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