Melissa Barich has yet to make her professional debut, but she is already attracting attention to the majors.
The PFL signed Baric (0-0) to a multi-game contract, announced Wednesday. She will participate in what the promotion calls its “athlete development program,” and her professional debut is scheduled for this summer. Barich told Mixed Martial Arts Junkie on Wednesday that she plans to make her debut June 13 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
“It kind of made sense because I knew something really good was going to happen,” Barrick said. “I felt it. … Now that it’s PFL, I’m really looking forward to making my debut. From there, let’s see where I go. Interested.”
Baric, 26, has competed in several amateur kickboxing matches and has an amateur record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Barrick is from New York and is a member of Tiger Shulman’s Martial Arts, a gym that encourages fighters to start with kickboxing matches. Barrick was heavily influenced by Lyman Goode, Shane Burgos, Julio Arce, and others.
Baric, nicknamed “Stastic,” currently holds the Flex Fight Series amateur women’s flyweight title. Two of her three amateur wins came by unanimous decision and the third by submission.
Initially, Baric was expected to make his professional debut outside of the PFL in January. However, an injury to her joint caused her to be removed from the match. Looking back, Baric thinks this injury could actually be a blessing in disguise.
“‘Why is this happening now? Are you kidding me?'” Barrick said. “Then something bigger and better came along. That’s why. It had to happen. is.”
Although it is unusual for a player to sign with a major promotion before making his professional debut, Baric agrees with the PFL’s decision and aims to live up to expectations.
“I know who I am and I know how hard I work,” Barrick said. “I have no doubt that really good things are coming my way. … I don’t necessarily grow through pressure, but I accept pressure. I accept all of this so that when the time comes, I’m ready.” it’s finished.”
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