Kennedy Freeman proved that she is ready for the next stage of her career after a huge performance at Cage Warriors 181 on Saturday.
After a five-year break in her career, the bantamweight has continued to make strides with each outing since November last year.
Back-to-back finishes in the yellow gloves earned her the opportunity to fight for the vacant title in Newcastle where her opponent, Mafalda Carmona, retired in between rounds following a non-stop striking assault for four rounds.
Freeman spoke in her post-fight interview with Cage Warriors about responding to some of the doubters by coming out on top against an opponent that looked to test her grappling:
"Definitely. I defended them takedowns and let my striking go. I mean she's an established grappler and she couldn't even get us down so what's that tell ya?"
It's no surprise that Freeman has been on the radar of the biggest promotions in the world for some time due to her family name and impressive finishing ability.
When big opportunities came her way in the past, she didn't feel like she was quite ready to take that next step but Saturday night was a turning point for her.
"Whatever offers come, I'm ready for them now. It's my Birthday on Tuesday and I'm 28. I'm getting on now and I think I proved to myself that I can go nearly five rounds, I was ready for a fifth round there. I felt fit, I felt ready and yeah, I'm ready for the next step now."
In the interview, Kennedy was joined by her father and coach, Ian Freeman, who after breaking new ground during his career, is now excited for his daughter to do the same.
"I think we're the only father and daughter in Cage Warriors. I was the first ever British fighter in the UFC and I think the UFC are going to come knocking and when they do, we will be the first ever father and daughter in the UFC so we're breaking history every single time."
Watch the full interview below:
