Jordan Springs’ MMA fighter Arlene Blencowe has just returned home from Hawaii, after she fought Cris Cyborg in Bellator 279. The result may not have gone to plan, however, having her family by her side made for one of the most memorable experiences of her career.
Competing for the Bellator Women’s Featherweight Title, Blencowe lost to Cyborg in a fiercely fought bout lasting five rounds.
“Fighting Cris brought out a different toughness in me and something I hadn’t yet seen within myself, which is super exciting moving forward in my career. She is definitely my toughest opponent, which I guess is why they say she is the GOAT of the Women’s Featherweight Division with all that she has achieved,” said Arlene.
This was the first time in 8 years of Arlene being signed to Bellator that she had a support crew there for her.
“It was amazing! To have them there to experience fight week and see everything behind the scenes and be cage side for my fight was the best. I’m also glad that they were able to be there straight after the fight so that they could see that I was ok” she smiled.
Having her family and friends in Hawaii to support her meant that Arlene could spend some valuable time together with them post-fight.
“I loved being able to take a few days after the fight to relax with them all before flying home. After being away for 5 weeks this time for camp, it really is nice to unwind together. Me being in camp affects the whole family. We make a lot of sacrifices as a family for me to be able to do what I do. So, it was extra special to have us all there to experience it and spend time as one afterwards” explained Arlene.
“I was actually lucky enough to also have my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, my girlfriends and close friends come over from Australia too” she continued.
Arlene is thankful for her support back home and has this message for her fans, “Don’t put limitations on yourself. Dream big. Life is short, so get out there and chase those things that make you happy. I’ve been breaking limits my whole career. Defying age. I am so glad I didn’t listen to people who said I couldn’t do it. Above all, be a good person with good intentions and if you live in Jordan Springs, don’t speed through the residential areas!”