UPDATE
Sierra Lee Dinwoodie improved her record to 3-0-0 after a unanimous decision over Hurricane Hope Chase.
(submitted photo)Original story
When Sierra Lee Dinwoodie steps into the octagon Friday night it could be a step into the future for the up and coming mixed martial artist.
Dinwoodie had been training in Kelowna, but moved last year to Stoney Creek, Ontario to train at “The House of Champions Kick Boxing and Fitness.”
Owner and head trainer, Romanian born “Kru” Alin Halmagean, has a reputation for turning out world champions having scored 13 major titles with his fighters since immigrating to Canada in 2000.
Sierra Lee Dinwoodie training with “Kru” Alin Halmagean (Image: “House of Champions”)“I’m working with an incredible team here at House of Champions. Training under coach Kru Alin has been pivotal in my career. I’m lucky to have training partners like Diana Belbita, Kyle Nelson, and Mike Mallott who are all currently in the UFC,” Dinwoodie said.
The 5-11 Dinwoodie has a professional record of 2-0-0 and is ranked number seven in Canada for female MMA fighters. The 28-year-old won her first professional bout in just 34 seconds, while taking a little longer to get the win in April of last year going in as an underdog against Andrea Watson.
Dinwoodie has now moved up to the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA), which is considered a farm team for the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).
She get a chance at LFA 177 at Seneca Casino in Niagara Falls, New York fighting as a bantam weight against 3-1-0 Hope “The Hurricane” Chase.
Fight poster (Image: Legacy Fighting Alliance)Dinwoodie has been preparing for this fight since her last bout, and dozens of fighters passed on entering the ring with her.
“This past year I’ve had a very difficult time finding willing opponents so I’m thrilled to have a dance partner this Friday! I know my opponent is an American with a karate background. She’s 3-1 in her career so far. I have a significant height/reach advantage. The most important fight of my life is always the next one so I’m focused on what I need to do to get the win on Friday and then I can focus on the opportunities of the future. I know it’s another step closer to my goals for the UFC,” Dinwoodie told Vernon Matters.
Dinwoodie will have her father, country singer Lee Dinwoodie, ringside for the bout. Dinwoodie senior has overcome a near death experience and continues to pursue his music career.
“It’s incredible to have a father that is so supportive of me chasing my dreams. Not only is he supportive but he also leads by example by continuing to chase his dreams and aspirations. Having him there with me on fight night means the world. Im excited to have this opportunity to show the world and the UFC that I have what it takes to be a champion,” Dinwoodie said.
The fight will be shown live on pay-per-view UFC Fight Pass, Friday Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
