On March 14th, 2019 at TKO MMA 46, Jade Masson-Wong (3-0) will face off against opponent Mandy Böhm (5-0) for the first ever TKO women’s championship title.
Announced earlier in the year, the promotion released images of the rose-gold and silver title, designed specifically for the women within the organization. With victories at TKO 43, 44 and 45, Masson-Wong would be named one half of the history making championship bout at TKO 46.
Adam LeBarr of MMA Fight Radio spoke with Jade Masson-Wong about her up-and-coming fight for (rose) gold, fighting alongside her husband-to-be, and following him to the UFC.
Being apart of the first ever women’s TKO MMA title fight, championship design
“I’m really exciting about that (having the opportunity to fight for the title). I think I’m lucky to have this opportunity, the first women MMA belt in TKO history! I know some people think it’s too early to give me this opportunity after only 3 victory, but I’ve worked for it and i’m ready. TKO made a beautiful belt with rose gold, I think it’s a great idea to make the title different than the men’s.”
Thoughts on opponent, welcoming Mandy Böhm to TKO
“I think she’s a good fighter and deserve her place in TKO. I’m glad to welcome her in the flyweight division, and I think TKO does a great job at finding us good opponents from all around the world because there are not a lot of fighters in Quebec/Canada, and we need more adversity from different places. I think I’m a good test for her because i don’t think she ever had opponent like me.”
Fighting on the same card as husband-to-be Marc-Andre Barriault, joining him in the UFC
“To fight on the same card 2 times with my man (Marc-Andre Barriault) was incredible. I think we were lucky do this and live this experience together. To do this sport together and live the same passion we are lucky! But it was a guess, if one of us had a bad fight during one of these two events, maybe it would have affected the other and his fight, but all was good and we can just remember good memories, especially the marriage proposal that Marc-André made to me last May 4th (TKO 43). What a amazing night! We are lucky to have each other and have someone who understand what we do!”
Marc-Andre Barriault more recently signed with the UFC after becoming a TKO two-division champion. Expected to make his debut early this year, Barriault will enter the octagon 11-1 in his professional mixed martial arts career.
“Of course this is my dream to join my man in the big league. Seeing my boyfriend going the UFC is inspiring and shows that it’s possible! I know with women it can be faster because there are less competing in MMA than men, and the flyweight division is more recent, so they need girls! I signed for four fights in my last contract with TKO and this fight is my second so I will defend my belt 2 times and after we will see!”
TKO 46 Expectations
“I’ve worked hard for this fight, I always work hard, but for this one I feel I really have upgraded my game. Every fight I do we can see an improvement, and in this one we will see more of me than you know. My opponent is a different style than the three previous, so I will have to approach this one differently from my last ones. This will be a big explosive fight!”
In Québec City, Québec, Canada on March 14th, only one will leave TKO 46 with an unblemished record and first ever women’s champion, raising the newly designed rose-gold and silver title above their head as Jade Mason-Wong squares off against Mandy Böhm in a historical match-up.
