Mixed martial arts has always attracted athletes from other sports, who look to parlay their athletic skills in one discipline into a career inside the cage. And, with the sport continuing to evolve, the quality of the athletes embarking on their MMA careers has never been higher.
One great example of this is American Zoe Nowicky. A former collegiate wrestling standout, Nowicky is a two-time NCAA and WCWA women’s national champion, a five-time NCAA/WCWA All-American, and a US Open Wrestling All-American. Her credentials on the wrestling mat also include representing the United States as an Under-23 national team member, and she was a 2021 Olympic Team Trials qualifier.
Nowicky has since transitioned her skills to mixed martial arts and, after building a 9-0 amateur record that saw her capture gold at the 2023 GAMMA World Championships, she signed with world-renowned women’s MMA promotion Invicta Fighting Championships and claimed a victory on her pro debut at Invicta FC 55.
After that win, Nowicky then achieved double-gold-medal success at the GAMMA Pan-Am Championships in Rosario, Argentina, where she picked up golds in the 125- and 135-pound categories, where professional and amateur competitors face off under amateur rules in a tournament format.
“I feel excited about my two gold medals,” said Nowicky, following her double success.
“It was a fun few weeks going back to back. I am just feeling so grateful that I get to do what I love, with people I love.”
The opportunity to fight at two weight classes came almost by accident. But, when the chance presented itself, Nowicky happily pulled double duty and came away with two gold medals as a results.
“I normally fight at 125 pounds, but I heard there would be more competition at 135 pounds, so we decided to go up a weight class before coming to the Pan Ams,” she explained.
“The day before the competition, a girl registered for 125 pounds. So she could compete, and I could get more cage time, my coach worked it out to where I was able to fight in both divisions.
“I got to work much more of my ground and pound, and transitions on the ground, in my fights at Pan Ams.
“I was able to get a finish in all three of my fights, which felt great. I took more risks, in attempts to build my confidence, and it worked out.”
GAMMA
Nowicky has shown early in her career that she has a champion’s mentality, and the familiarity of competing in a tournament format proved to be something of a comfort as she made the quick turnaround from her pro debut in Invicta to the very different challenge of the Pan Ams.
“I found going into the Pan Ams straight after Invicta made it more exciting and unreal,” she said.
“I always take everything I do with professionalism and sincerity. The tournament style makes it easier for me to calm any nerves, as I think it reminds me of my roots in wrestling.”
Nowicky may only be 1-0 as a pro, but she has already started to pick up a wealth of valuable experience. And, as she continues her career in Invicta, she said she will continue to represent the United States in GAMMA competition in a bid to capture a second GAMMA world title later this year.
“Next I will take some rest, get in the gym to develop some areas of my game, while being patient with myself, catching up with family and friends,” she said.
“I’m hoping to book another fight with Invicta September or October, then off to the GAMMA Worlds in Indonesia in December!”
