Cory McKenna

Cory McKenna (born 11 July 1999) is a Welsh professional mixed martial artist who competes as a strawweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. She has also competed for Cage Warriors.

Early life and background
Born in Wales, McKenna spent the majority of her childhood in Colchester, England due to her father's role in the army. Her mother, Wendy, also competes in mixed martial arts and has a professional record of 1–2.

McKenna began training in karate aged 10, and after advancing through Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and boxing, started training in mixed martial arts aged 13. She became a full-time athlete two years later while occasionally coaching to help fund fights. As an amateur, McKenna went 7–0 and held championships at strawweight and featherweight.

Cage Warriors
In March 2018, McKenna made her professional debut at Cage Warriors 91 and beat Maria Vittoria Colonna after a first-round retirement. She faced Eva Dourthe three months later at Cage Warriors 94 and won via split decision. In September 2018, McKenna suffered her first defeat after a split decision loss against Micol Di Segni at Cage Warriors 97.

In April 2019, McKenna faced Fannie Redman at Cage Warriors 104. She won the fight via rear naked choke in the second round. A month later, she beat Giulia Chinello at Cage Warriors 105 via ground and pound in the first round. In October 2019, McKenna was due to fight Griet Eeckhout at Cage Warriors 108, but the fight was cancelled after her opponent failed to make weight. In April 2020, her fight with Lanchana Green was also called off after Cage Warriors 114 was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Dana White's Contender Series
On 11 August 2020, McKenna appeared on Dana White's Contender Series 2020. After winning via unanimous decision against Vanessa Demopoulos, McKenna was awarded a UFC contract. The deal saw her became the first Welsh female and youngest ever British fighter to sign for the promotion.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
McKenna made her promotional debut against Kay Hansen on 14 November 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Felder vs. dos Anjos. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

In her sophomore performance, she faced Elise Reed on 19 March 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall. She lost the fight via split decision.

McKenna faced Miranda Granger on 6 August 2022 at UFC on ESPN 40. She won the fight via a shoulder choke in round two.

McKenna faced Cheyanne Vlismas on 17 December 2022 at UFC Fight Night 216. She won the fight via unanimous decision.

McKenna faced Jaqueline Amorim on March 16, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 239. She lost the bout via an armbar submmission in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Violent Money TV
 * VMTV UK MMA Submission of the Year 2022

Personal life
McKenna is a keen painter and often shares her artwork on Instagram.