Fighters of New York: Jamie Colleen

Jamie Colleen’s strikes hurt like a mother. King of the Cage’s strawweight contender is training for a title bout on September 24th, and she is doing the most to make sure that she gets that belt. Being a woman in the fight game, however, is a little different–she doesn’t get the luxury of focusing exclusively on her training. Jamie still holds down a job and is a single parent raising her child.

“My daughter has been around all of this her whole life. Everything I do is for her, to empower her and to make her proud. It’s important that she knows that no matter if you’re a boy or a girl, you can do whatever you want. I want to show her, not just tell her.”

Mom and daughter selfie outside the famed Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC

This ferocious mama bear is working hard to prove her point. A pro fighter with a record of 3-1, Jamie has trained under Ricardo Almeida and Daniel Gracie. Her team boasts some of the best from the Tri-State Area: In New York, Rob Constance of Renzo Gracie Academy; New Jersey-based coaches, former Ultimate Fighter contestant Dante Rivera and All-Star MMA’s Jamal Patterson; and on Colleen’s home turf of Philly, Wil Vicinus of Fearless Athletics and the legendary “Padman” of Front Street Gym. Also on her team, is close friend and training partner, recently signed UFC fighter Katlyn “Blondefighter” Chookagian.

Jamie and training partner UFC fight Katlyn Chookagian drilling takedowns

Jamie believes that “It’s important for women to support each other in this sport. You can see that we have such a huge impact on it and that we are changing the game. I’m just excited to be a part of it and to be a key piece of history. We are paving the way for each other. The women who came before me and established this road, I am grateful for them. That is what I want to do for the next generation, make it even more possible for women to get fights and be respected.”

Jamie sparring during MMA training at RGA NYC

With eyes from the UFC also on her, Jamie works incredibly hard day-in and day-out. Weekdays she commutes from Philadelphia into NYC and New Jersey, to train with her coaches and partners. Her training and travel takes up most of her day, but she comes into New York City enthusiastic and excited for practice. Weekends, she works at a sports bar in Philadelphia. Jamie has little to no breaks as she works and trains back to back. Something that would wear other fighters down only energizes her to work harder.

“I am going to be a UFC fighter. I have the drive and I put in the work. I have the best team and I’m not afraid of getting tired or having to do the things other people won’t. King of the Cage is such an amazing promotion and an awesome platform–many of their fighters have transitioned to the UFC from there and we are like a family. I know winning this belt gives me an opportunity to get a step closer to where I want to be, and I won’t stop until I get there.”

Jamie Colleen originally got into fighting by working out with a friend who was a kickboxing instructor. After competing in kickboxing, she began transitioning to Mixed Martial Arts. Ten years of training led the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt to make her MMA debut in 2013.

“I am seriously surrounded by the best,” she says intently. “I work with such a diverse group of people and am constantly being pushed by them. There are so many different styles, and I am learning something new every time I step into the gym. My coaches want my basics and fundamentals to be razor sharp, and I have found the little adjustments in camp is what is most beneficial. It has been hard for me to get fights in the past, sometimes because it isn’t easy for women to get fights, other times because my kickboxing background intimidates potential opponents. But to me, it doesn’t matter who I fight–all that matters is that I fight my best and give everything I’ve got.”

MMA grappling

A documentary by Comcast Sports in the works shows that Jamie’s best is drawing in a lot of attention. The camera crew interviews her as well as films her training sessions and fights, with the intent of sharing the strawweight’s story. With the feature set to premiere before her bout, she is excited to show the world that a woman can be whatever she wants: a fighter, a teammate, a friend, and a mother–all at the same time.

Team Renzo Gracie

“I’ve had to take some time off–after I got pregnant, my sole focus was on my daughter. I was able to return, and now she is my inspiration and motivation for every bout. She comes to my training and sometimes gets to watch my fights. All of this is very normal for her. It’s is my responsibility as her mother to make sure she knows she is capable of anything.”

Beyond her daughter, Jamie is a precedent for all fighters–a shining example that if you work hard, believe in yourself, and don’t allow any obstacle get in your way, you can achieve your dreams.

Writer: Pari Aryafar

Editor: Kyle Antonelli

Photos: Matt Culley