Hannah Rankin: A Scottish Boxer’s Ambition to Cross Over to MMA

The line between boxing and mixed martial arts is becoming finer by the month, and Hannah Rankin, who is set to fight for the vacant WBC and WBO light-middleweight titles against Ema Kozin in Manchester on Saturday, might just be the next athlete to make the crossover.

Last month, the world watched in awe as former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou stepped into the boxing ring against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia. Although Ngannou narrowly lost the bout, he sent shockwaves through the sport, proving that mixed martial artists could compete in the world of boxing.

But while many fighters have transitioned from MMA to boxing, few have made the move in the opposite direction. However, Rankin, a 33-year-old Scot, isn’t ruling out the possibility of stepping into the MMA cage.

“It’s not an idea that I haven’t flirted with; I think it would be really good fun,” Rankin revealed to Sport News Center.

Rankin’s journey into combat sports has been diverse. She started in taekwondo, then dabbled in Thai boxing, and even ventured onto the mats for jiu-jitsu before taking up boxing. During the pandemic, there was talk of her facing Cris Cyborg, the Bellator featherweight champion, in a crossover bout that would have included both boxing and MMA fights.

“I always say to people that I do really miss kicking people; that was a really satisfying part for me. It’s not a crazy idea to think I might cross over into the cage – never say never,” Rankin added.

But for now, Rankin’s focus is firmly on reclaiming her place at the top of the boxing world. She previously held the WBA and IBO light-middleweight belts but lost them to Terri Harper in 2022. Rankin, who bounced back with a dominant victory against Logan Holler in March, is determined to make Scotland proud by unifying the division.

“I’m absolutely buzzing that I’m getting the opportunity to fight for the WBC [title]. The WBC Silver was my first proper professional title early on in my career, and I always promised myself I was going to get the world title. This is me about to complete a personal promise to myself,” Rankin declared.

Rankin’s opponent, Ema Kozin, has lost just once in her 25-fight career, a unanimous decision defeat against undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields in 2022. With 12 knockout victories to her name, Kozin is a formidable opponent.

Saturday’s world title fight between Rankin and Kozin will consist of 10 rounds, each lasting for two minutes. This highlights an ongoing debate in women’s boxing about the duration of rounds. While Amanda Serrano and Danila Ramos recently made history by fighting 12 three-minute rounds, the WBC is yet to officially sanction such bouts.

Rankin is an advocate for three-minute rounds, believing they would suit her style perfectly. She also hopes to push for change in the sport.

“I think two-minute rounds are just exciting to watch; however, I do believe we need 12 two-minute rounds if we are going to stick to that length. We need 12 rounds at the world title stage, and I think that would be the next best step forward,” Rankin asserted.

As Rankin looks ahead to her title fight, her journey reflects the evolving landscape of combat sports, where athletes like her are willing to explore new horizons, bridging the gap between boxing and MMA. Whether she eventually makes the crossover remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Hannah Rankin’s determination and passion for combat sports will continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Boxing-MMA Crossover

More about Boxing-MMA Crossover

• Hannah Rankin’s Official Website
• WBC – World Boxing Council
• [Ema Kozin’s Profile](Insert Link)
• [Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury Fight](Insert Link)
• [Cris Cyborg – Bellator Featherweight Champion](Insert Link)
• [Amanda Serrano’s Historic Fight](Insert Link)
• [Claressa Shields – Undisputed Middleweight Champion](Insert Link)