UFC 257 main card contender Joanne Calderwood believes pandemic restrictions have not inhibited her training regime.
In fact, a “bonus” element to her team set-up means she has suffered minimal bumps in the road to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The Scot told Time Out: “A real bonus I have is that my coach is actually my fiancé, so I’m really lucky to have had access to the gym. And right now we are kind of getting back to normal – not quite there yet – but I’m glad it’s not total lockdown and we have freedom, with a fight coming up, to train [as a team].
“We are being smart about that. It’s not like it’s really hard to train for a fight and be in lockdown. But the world we are living in at the moment we have to make the most of it. I feel like a lot of people aren’t in a good spot at the moment, so I am grateful.”
Calderwood (14-5-0) faces off against American Jessica Eye (15-8-0) on Sunday January 24.
She said she is reaping the benefits of touching down in Abu Dhabi ahead of schedule, and that she is “feeling awesome”.
“I came out here a couple of days earlier and it’s been really good. I feel like to get on the sleep schedule and find out my weight is all good, it takes a bit of stress off heading into Fight Week. It’s going well.
“I’ve been up at the pool. I was a little bit gutted we can’t go to the beach this time around, I was looking forward to that. But I’ve been up to the pool every day, getting my Vitamin D. We are still on lockdown but the sunshine really helps.”
Having taken to The Octagon in the absence of supporters in 2020, Calderwood is looking forward to getting back into the ring to the roar of a live crowd.
Fans are crucial to all sport, no more so than in UFC, where the following has propelled MMA to previously unseen heights.
“It’s not the same [without fans]. I’ve done, and it’s just weird. I get a buzz off the crowd and the atmosphere and that’s how it is supposed to be. I’m looking forward to it, and I’m excited that all week there has been a crowd,” said Calderwood.
“It feels like the world is starting to open up a bit more. It’s baby steps but I’m looking forward to having the crowd back, even if it’s not everyone, it definitely makes a difference I feel.”
In terms of the fight, Calderwood is ready for anything that Eye can throw at her.
She said: “I see it being on my feet. I feel she is going to be trying to box, but I’ve got more tools than just my boxing. Either way I think it’s going to be an entertaining fight.”
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