Arlene Blencowe excited about future as career hits crossroads

Arlene Blencowe celebrates a big win in 2020.
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Jordan Springs MMA fighter Arlene Blencowe has vowed to fight on after her 11 “unforgettable” years with top American promotion Bellator came to an end recently.

Bellator was once considered the second largest MMA promotion in the United States behind the UFC, however in November 2023, the promotion was acquired by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and has subsequently been shut down for good.

The news means that 41-year-old Blencowe – who was the first Australian woman to join Bellator in 2014 – is on the hunt for a new promotion, to keep her legendary career alive.

Speaking with the Weekender on Monday, the former boxer said she knew the writing was on the wall when PFL took over Bellator in late 2023.

“We were aware of the merger and PFL kept Bellator alive in 2024, however it’s just been announced that that’s the end of Bellator, which is super sad,” Blencowe said.

Peace out! After 11 years, Arlene Blencowe’s time with Bellator MMA is over.

“We kind of knew that it was coming. I’ve been with the promotion for 11 years and multiple contracts, so it’s sad I won’t be working with them anymore.”

The powerhouse local mother of two put Bellator on the map in Australia, moving up the ranks to become the country’s highest paid female MMA fighter.

Blencowe said she has nothing but fond memories of her time with Bellator and even remembers how she felt signing with the promotion way back in October 2014.

“It was super scary,” she admitted.

“Anything to do with contracts you hear such horror stories locking into promotions and managers, but fortunately I was very lucky throughout my time with Bellator, who did nothing but look after me.

“In 2022, I became Australia’s highest paid female MMA fighter. I don’t have any horror stories, I only have good things to say about everyone I’ve worked with.”

Arlene Blencowe featuring in the Weekender in 2015. Photo: Megan Dunn

Travelling all over the United States and even Dublin, Blencowe fought on 15 occasions with the Bellator promotion for a nine win and six loss record.

Blencowe said despite losing to the Brazilian-American legend on two occasions, her battles with MMA great Cris Cyborg will go down as career highlights.

“My second fight with Cyborg would have to go down as one of my biggest,” she said.

“Even though I lost, I learned a lot from that fight. Having a five-round war with someone who is the GOAT of female MMA is something I’ll never forget!”

As for what comes next? Blencowe is confident she’ll be able to find a new home to continue her decorated fighting career.

Arlene Blencowe in 2018. Photo: Melinda Jane

“Now that I am a free agent, I’ve been exploring the waters,” she said.

“I’m very excited for what’s ahead. I’m very well respected and I’m getting treated with a lot of respect with everyone that I am talking to.

“Nothing is set in stone yet, but we have been speaking to people and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year.”

Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.


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