Kenia Enriquez's Transition to MMA
February 27, 2025

In a bold career move of Kenia Enriquez, a two-division boxing champion with an impressive professional record of 28-1, is set to make her highly anticipated debut in mixed martial arts (MMA). Enriquez has long been regarded as one of the top female boxers in the world, showcasing elite skill, speed, and technical prowess in the ring. Her transition to MMA is a significant move, one that has been met with both excitement and speculation from fans and experts alike. With her signing to Combate Global, she steps into a new world of combat sports, where different skill sets and strategies will determine her success.

Training for Two Disciplines: How Kenia Enriquez Prepares for Her MMA Debut

Enriquez has built her career around crisp punching technique, footwork, and defensive movement—attributes that will serve her well in MMA. However, the transition requires adjustments in areas such as takedown defense, grappling, and clinch work. Unlike boxing, where the focus is solely on striking, MMA demands a well-rounded skill set incorporating wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing. Her training has expanded to include ground control techniques and submission defenses, crucial elements for survival in the cage.  While Enriquez's hands remain one  of her most valuable weapons, her training now includes wrestling drills to improve her ability to stuff takedowns and counter grappling exchanges. Jiu-jitsu training is also a key focus, allowing her to understand positioning on the ground and avoid being dominated by opponents with a stronger grappling background. Working with experienced MMA coaches, she is integrating these new techniques into her fighting style to ensure she is prepared for all possible scenarios inside the cage.

Breaking Barriers: The Significance of Kenia Enriquez's Move to Combate Global

Enriquez's decision to sign with Combate Global is a major moment for women’s combat sports. Historically, female fighters have had to fight for equal opportunities and recognition. By making the jump to MMA, Enriquez joins a growing list of elite female athletes who refuse to be limited to a single discipline. Her move signals the evolving landscape of combat sports, where crossover athletes are becoming more common, and women continue to gain more exposure and opportunities.

Combate Global has been actively pushing for the development of women's MMA, and Enriquez's signing is a testament to that commitment. The promotion offers a platform where female fighters can compete at a high level and gain significant exposure. Enriquez’s presence in the organization is expected to attract more attention to women’s divisions, potentially inspiring other female boxers to consider similar transitions.

Boxers transitioning to MMA is not a new phenomenon, though it comes with unique challenges. Fighters like Holly Holm, who had an accomplished boxing career before becoming a UFC champion, have demonstrated that with the right preparation, a smooth transition is possible. However, others have struggled due to the complexities of grappling and takedown defense. Enriquez faces a steep learning curve, but her elite striking ability could provide a solid foundation for her MMA journey.

Enriquez can take inspiration from fighters like Holm and Claressa Shields, both of whom made headlines for moving from boxing to MMA. Holm, in particular, successfully adapted her striking to the sport, utilizing strong footwork and takedown defense. Shields have faced difficulties adjusting to grappling-heavy opponents, which highlights the necessity of mastering the ground game. Enriquez's success will depend on how well she incorporates these lessons into her training regimen.

The Betting Lines: How Sportsbooks View Enriquez's MMA Debut

With Enriquez’s transition generating buzz, sportsbooks have begun offering betting lines on her upcoming fight on March 13. Her debut has captured the interest of combat sports enthusiasts and bettors alike, with speculation on how her boxing expertise will translate inside the cage. The odds reflect both her elite striking and the uncertainty surrounding her ability to handle other aspects of MMA competition.

Betting lines consider factors such as her opponent’s experience level, Enriquez’s ability to adapt, and her physical attributes. Given her high-level boxing pedigree, she is expected to have a striking advantage, but her grappling remains a question mark.  Sportsbooks are balancing the expectations of her fans with the realities of MMA, making her debut an intriguing prospect for bettors.

The Road Ahead: Enriquez's Future in MMA

A successful debut could set Enriquez on a path toward bigger opportunities in MMA. If she showcases strong striking and defensive skills, she could quickly rise through the ranks in Combate Global. The long-term goal for many crossover athletes is to eventually compete at the highest levels, with promotions like the UFC and Bellator offering potential avenues for future competition.

As Enriquez continues her MMA journey, her ability to evolve will be crucial. Transitioning from a striking-heavy approach to a well-rounded game will determine her longevity in the sport. Continued investment in wrestling and submission defense will help her navigate the challenges ahead. Her experience and discipline in boxing provide a solid base, but adaptation will be key to her success.

Kenia Enriquez’s transition from boxing to MMA is a bold and exciting move that has already generated significant attention. With a stellar record of 28-1 in boxing and a signing with Combate Global, her journey into MMA presents both immense opportunities and formidable challenges. Training in new disciplines, breaking barriers for women in combat sports, and following the footsteps of successful crossover athletes, Enriquez’s story is just beginning. As her March 13 debut approaches, all eyes will be on her performance, with sportsbooks and fight fans eagerly anticipating how she adapts to this new chapter in her career.