Bantamweight champion, Peyton Letcher, has earned a spot in the South African Mixed Martial Arts team as she sets sight on successfully competing at the 2022 IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi later this month.
Letcher is currently in the United States where she is preparing for the championship: “I currently have a training camp here in the US, while I’m trying to get my name out on the competition circuit out here.”
Aside from the grappling, Letcher particularly enjoys the freedom of living by her own standards.
“I’m moving all the time and having new experiences, meeting people from across the world. I enjoy the freedom that come with it,” says Letcher.
Though a tough fighter, Letcher says there is still a struggle of not being taken seriously by male fighters.
“Personally, I think the hardest part of being any type of martial artist as a woman is the fact that men still struggle to take us seriously. Many times, they confuse actual competitors with hobbyists which can be a little frustrating but nothing I can’t handle.
Letcher also says although there isn’t much difference between the styles of fighting in South Africa and abroad, there is greater exposure to high level athletes that helps in improving the skills of a fighter who hasn’t had much exposure.
“The styles aren’t very different – the difference is the exposure to high level athletes and the amount of people in the sport. Back home we might have 10 girls who compete, over here, there are 100’s of competitors who you can try things on and refine your skill,” she concluded.
The IMMAF World Championships is set to take place between 24-29 January 2022 at the Jiujitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Photo 1 Caption: Bantamweight champion, Peyton Letcher, sets sight on successfully competing at the 2021 IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi later this month. Photo: Peyton Letcher (Instagram)
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