Local MMA fighter won’t let anything or anyone stop her

by Chris Mailloux

A local Mixed Martial Arts fighter has reached the top female ranks in Canada but has no plans to stop there.

On March 8, Randa Markos-Thomas became the first ever Provincial Fighting Championship Strawweight champion after beating Lynelle House. Markos is currently ranked number one in Canada for the female Strawweight division according to www.topmmanews.com.

Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Markos moved to Windsor at the age of three. Her father wanted to avoid being drafted in the war and his only option was to leave the country with his family. In high school she fell in love with wrestling. Eventually she started training in other MMA techniques like jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.

Markos said she believes she is at the best point of her career. With a belt and a number one ranking in Canada, Markos has her eyes set on The Ultimate Fighter reality show. She will be going to Las Vegas to try out on April 28. The contestants on the show will have a chance to fight for the Ultimate Fighting Championships.

“I just need to be given that chance,” said Markos. “Hopefully tryouts will work out in my favour and I get to take it far and get into the house and hopefully fight for the UFC.”

Markos trains at the Maximum Training Centre in Windsor and said she considers her fellow training partners as family. She also said she is very passionate about going to the gym and training. On average she trains six nights a week unless she has an upcoming fight, in which case she trains seven nights a week and two times a day.

“No matter what is happening to me, no matter what is going on in my life, as soon as I walk through that door I feel like I’m home,” said Markos. “To be able to enjoy something that I work really hard at is just perfect.”

Fellow MMA fighter and MTC member, Kyle Prepolec, said Markos’ success is great for both her and the gym.

“It’s huge for her and gives her so much more opportunities,” said Prepolec. “It gives her a bigger chance to get to the bigger stage (UFC).”

Prepolec started training in MMA seven years ago and started attending the MTC four years ago. He has been with the gym ever since and has been friends with Markos for five years.

“She’s going to go far, very far,” said Prepolec. “I think she’ll make it. She’ll be one of the best in the world as soon as she gets there.”

Markos recommends that anyone who is passionate about a career in MMA should follow their dreams, no matter what anyone else says. Growing up her parents told her MMA was a sport for guys and it was crazy for her to want to be a fighter.

“The number one thing is follow your dreams. Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t do it. Don’t let anybody ever tell you you’re just a girl,” said Markos. “Don’t let anybody stop you, if you’re passionate about it, just continue with it and you’ll be amazing.”