Melissa Croden Faces Chelsea Chandler at UFC Fight Night Edmonton

Croden's Excitement for Home Fight

Melissa Croden is set to compete in front of her Canadian fans this weekend at UFC Fight Night Edmonton. The ranked bantamweight will take on fellow contender Chelsea Chandler, looking to further her ascent in the 135-pound division. Croden expressed her enthusiasm about fighting in Alberta, stating, "I am super excited to be able to fight in Alberta, the motherland for me." She noted the unique energy of fighting in front of a supportive crowd, saying it enhances her performance.

Pressure of the Rankings

As a ranked fighter, Croden acknowledges the added pressure that comes with her position. She emphasized the unpredictable nature of rankings, explaining, "I try not to put too much meaning on a number because you just never know what’s going to happen in there." Croden is aware that upsets can occur in fights, making her cautious about the implications of her ranking.

Preparing for Chandler

Croden respects Chandler's fighting background, which includes notable opponents. She described Chandler as durable and tough, highlighting her solid jiu-jitsu skills. Croden's focus, however, remains on her own capabilities and how to implement her game plan. She mentioned her coaches analyze Chandler's fighting style more than she does, allowing her to concentrate on her training and preparation.

Next Steps for Croden

With her fight against Chandler approaching, Croden is committed to staying focused and working hard. She aims to treat Chandler as if she holds the number one contender spot, preparing diligently for the matchup. The fight will be a significant step in Croden's career as she seeks to solidify her position in the bantamweight rankings.