• UFC 161

Brit Sexton becomes first UK female in UFC

Dana White has added another female UFC fight © Getty Images

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Rosi Sexton holds a First Class degree in mathematics from the prestigious Trinity College, Cambridge, and was awarded a PhD in Theoretical Computer Science by the University of Manchester.

But, in June, the Manchester mother of one will take a very different type of test, becoming Britain's first ever female UFC athlete.

The 35-year-old is a pioneer of women's mixed martial arts, turning professional in 2002 and having fought elite level competition all over Europe and North America.

She makes her Octagon debut in the women's bantamweight division at UFC 161 in Winnipeg, Canada, on June 15, taking on Canadian submission expert Alexis Davis (11-5 in MMA).

The event will be headlined by a men's bantamweight interim title fight between champion Renan Barao, 32-1, and No. 4 ranked contender Eddie Wineland, 20-8-1.

A registered osteopath, Sexton is a well-known media spokesperson and advocate for the sport of MMA. She is thrilled to finally make her debut in the world's leading MMA organisation.

Sexton is the latest addition to a rapidly growing roster of female athletes in UFC. It follows the huge success of the first ever female bout in February, where 2008 Olympic judo medallist and reigning UFC champion Ronda Rousey defeated Liz Carmouche in a thrilling event in California.

Sexton said: "Competing in UFC has long been a dream of mine, I love the sport and I can't wait to get started. To be the UK's first female competitor is a great honour and I'll work very hard to ensure that it's a successful start for our country's women UFC athletes in Winnipeg."

Garry Cook, executive vice-president and managing director of UFC EMEA, said: "The popularity of women in the UFC is ever increasing and was clearly demonstrated by the success of the Rousey vs. Carmouche bout, which was hugely well received by fans.

"As an organisation we've responded to that, giving our existing fans and newcomers to UFC what they want - and that's more talented female athletes.

"Rosi is a huge asset to UFC in the UK, there's nobody who knows the sport better than her and she will be a fantastic ambassador for us. She's immensely talented, a strong grappler and very athletic and we're looking forward to her debut in the Octagon."

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