Melissa Balic is still yet to make her professional debut however, she has already caught the eye of the PFL.
Melissa Balic Signs Deal with PFL
Balic has been signed to a multi-fight deal which the PFL it was announced this Wednesday. Balic will enter what the PFL has called its “Athlete development program” with her expected to make her pro debut this summer. Speaking with MMAJunkie Balic revealed she is expecting to make her debut at the PFL event on the 13th of June at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut.
“It kind of made sense to me because I knew something really good was coming,” Melissa Balic said. “I could feel it. … With PFL now, I’m very excited to make my debut. From there, let’s just see where the path takes me. I’m interested.”
Coming From a Kickboxing Background
Melissa Balic is a New York native and is a member of Tiger Schulmann’s Martial Arts Gym. This gym encourages its fighters to begin their careers with kickboxing fights. This is the path Melissa Balic has gone through as she currently holds a 3-1 amateur MMA record. Despite not having much MMA experience she has had a handful of kicking boxing experience before this. Balic currently holds the Flex Fight Series amateur women’s flyweight title. 2 of her 3 amateur wins have come by way of decision while the 3rd was a submission victory in the 2nd round by a rear naked choke.
Melissa Balic Should Already Have Had Debut
Melissa Balic was meant to have her professional debut already outside of the PFL Banner. A knuckle injury was the cause of her withdrawing from her debut last January. While many fighters can see injuries setbacks and hold-ups Balic feels it could be a blessing in disguise. Balic talked about that when she said;
“Was like, ‘Why is this happening right now? Are you kidding?’ Balic said. “Then something way bigger and better came along. That’s why. That needed to happen.”
Signing for a major promotion like the PFL with no professional fights is normally unusual. Balic has agreed with the PFL’s decision and has said she aims to live up to the expectations for her. Speaking about this Balic mentions;
“I know who I am, and I know how hard I work,” Melissa Balic said. “I don’t doubt really good things are coming to me. … I don’t necessarily thrive off the pressure, but I do embrace it. I’m embracing all of this, so I’ll be ready when the time comes.”
Not the Only Signing
While Balic has signed a multi-fight deal on Wednesday she isn’t the only fighter to sign with the PFL. This is due to Paul Hughes announcing he has signed a deal with the PFL for the next 2 seasons. Paul Hughes is expecting to fight 3 times this year while entering the 2025 & 2026 PFL Lightweight tournaments. Paul Hughes admitted previously the UFC did offer him a deal however, due to it not being a meaningful offer he rejected it.
