Sydney Smith finds peace in fighting.
After a rough childhood and the passing of her father in 2012, Smith used running as a form of therapy. After a chance encounter with a former MMA fighter at a bar almost 10 years ago, Smith was introduced to martial arts, and she fell in love.
“It’s still therapy, but I just love to fight,” Smith, 31, says with a laugh.
“I played football with the boys growing up – I was a really big tomboy – so it made sense that fighting was the next thing for me, but it wasn’t available to me growing up.”
Fighting is a passion for Smith, but it’s also a career.
She takes the next step in her professional journey at BKFC 42 on Friday in Greenville, SC, LIVE on The BKFC App. The Virginia product is making her debut under the BKFC banner against Andy Nguyen (2-0), the No. 2-ranked contender in the women’s strawweight division.
Smith has been a fan of BKFC since its inception in 2018. She feels it’s the perfect fit for her skill set – and she’s eager to show that in her highly anticipated debut in the Squared Circle.
“I love to throw hands – I love to stand and bang,” she says. “I don’t have to worry about getting taken down, so I can go in there and just let my hands go.”
Smith is excited for the opportunity to make a home for herself at BKFC.
“Everybody’s goal is to be the champion one day, and my plan is to everything I can to work my way up there.”