Striking a blow for the sisters: How Seaham’s MMA world champion Katrina Fisher is leading the charge for women’s MMA.

When Katrina ‘Wild Cat’ Fisher first walked into a martial arts gym as a baby-faced assassin, it was not with the intentions of winning world titles. It was out of curiosity, a moment of second doubt before stepping into her Taekwondo class, that day would unknowing set Fisher on her path to becoming one of the most accomplished amateur fighters in the country.  

(credit: taken by Lenny March) 

From Seaham to becoming a double International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) champion, Fisher now looks to show to the women of the MMA world, that you can do it. At time Fisher faced loads of challenges like thinking she wasn’t good enough, but the rewards were much sweeter.

“I faced so many challenges in MMA and it’s not just the stuff that you see in the cage on the day. The challenges are happening behind the scenes. Like I’ve had corneal abrasions to both of my eyes. I’ve been hospitalized. I thought I was going to lose my sight, like pretty much right.” 

From almost losing her sight to showing the world that she is one of the best fighters in the world, Fisher is no short of any determination, and she continues to show that in the cage each fight.  

Being in a male dominated sport, Fisher is keen to keep women in the sport and continue pushing her message of asking women to give it a go. At first glance, stepping into an MMA gym full of men seems daunting at the time, but now Fisher feels part of the community at her gym Team Fish Tank in Seaham with her husband Andrew Fisher. 

“I think like it’s just male-dominated sport…I think it’s not that there isn’t the right environments for women because there is. If women want it that bad enough,they’ll make it happen like I wanted it that bad enough, so I made it happen for me. I just do think it takes other women to get other women feeling comfortable and get them on board and get them doing it. ‘ 

Looking to become an inspiration to the rest of the women in the sport of MMA, but when Fisher first started her career, it was other women and seeing them succeed that helped inspire Fisher moving forward:

“And I think the best thing that has always inspired me is seeing other women doing it and going, “Oh my god, I could do that.” So, I think the best thing you can do is just be the example that you want to be and hope more women get on board”  

(credit: taken by Lenny March) 

Katrina said that growing up in a working class North East family, has helped her attuite when it comes to fighting. The self-taught program that everything is earned and not given was built through everyday struggles which translated well into the day to day demands of fighting.  

“I think the more challenges you face in life, the easier you get at facing challenges.” Fisher explains.  

Fisher’s mindset would prove to set her apart in many ways, as her rise to the top of the ranks wouldn’t be without hardship and setbacks. 

Before heading out to her first IMMAF games in 2025, Fisher would seek to defend her title once before to gain more confidence. Fisher would fight on local promotion ‘Rise and Conquer’ where she would be the defending champion. Fisher would go on to lose this fight versus Chloe Crozier in her most important fight to date and losing her title. 

“It’s exactly what I needed. It is a defining point in my career was my first loss and I was like okay it’s not so bad… And I think that loss just gave me exactly what I needed and the fire I needed to go and win the World Championships and to go and win the European Championships and prove I was the best female fighter in the world at my weight.”  

Katrina Fisher would solidly herself as one of the best in her division when she travelled to Georgia to compete in the 2025 IMMAF World Championships, eventually winning gold. This would be the biggest accomplish to date in her career thus far, but the immediately Fisher was eyeing up becoming double champion.  

Fisher would travel to Serbia in 2026 for the European championships where she would prove herself once again on the biggest amateur stage that she is the best in her division with another gold, standing tall as a world and European champion.  

“It was one of the best experiences of my life. Holding the flag of my country…that’s the Olympics for MMA.”  Fisher explains.  

As a mother to two daughters, Fisher is accurately aware of the example she intends to set. Her approach to the sport reflects the reasonability she has for her kids. She rejects the stereotype of fighters relying on aggression or trash talk, instead choosing to carry herself with respect and dignity.  

(credit: taken by Lenny March) 

A move into the professional ranks is next on the horizon, with her aims set firmly on reaching the very top of the sport. 

“I said I wanted to be the best in the world…I did it. Now I’m going to the best professional female in the world.”

Her final words are not about herself, but to encourage others:

“MMA is one of the most empowering things you can do as a woman. It’ll teach you so much about yourself…It might just change your life.”