As three Kiwi women brought home medals from the amateur MMA world championships in Bahrain this week, Hamilton’s new world champion Michelle Montague must be pondering turning pro.
Montague, a former Waikato rugby rep and top New Zealand wrestler, beat fellow Kiwi Mel Webster in the lightweight division final, while Hannah Dawson of Mosgiel won silver in the flyweight division.
The question remains: has mixed martial arts done enough to become an Olympic sport? And if so, would Montague remain amateur for the chance to fight at a Games? Or will she turn professional for a shot at becoming the first New Zealand woman in UFC?
Also on Sports A-Gender this week, Black Fern speedster Selica Winiata talks about why refereeing at the World Sevens Series while she’s still playing professional 15s rugby isn’t a conflict of interest.
