New Zealand-based Sheila Yama grew up with no internet and no electricity.
42 minutes ago
Sheila Yama during the Press Conference for the David Nyika v Floyd Masson IBF Cruiserweight World Title Eliminator fight announcement at Radisson RED, Auckland, New Zealand on Thursday 21 May 2026.
Sheila Yama didn't grow up dreaming of being a world champion.
The boxer led a quiet childhood with her seven siblings in Papua New Guinea.
"No internet, no power, just lamps and traditional houses. It was a simple life."
'Hard work and discipline': Sheilla Yama's path to becoming one of the most feared female fighters
On The Up: The NZ MMA fighters taking big steps on the world stage
From art school to MMA fighter: How a ‘weird kid’ became a UFC trailblazer
'Almost killed me': Top athlete quits NZ water polo - her scathing email to board amid bullying claims, inquiry
'Well, well, well': Maiki Sherman's passionate speech after winning top media award
Battle of the Mooloo: Waikato misses out on hosting Nyika v Masson title eliminator
MVP's Nakisa Bidarian On Rousey-Carano Viewership, Shields' Ban & PFL
Yama is unbeaten at 7-0 after her May win for the IBF super lightweight title.
Japanese fan favourite to face Denice Zamboanga for atomweight MMA gold in Tokyo after four straight wins, including three by…
South Korean veteran frustrated at two-year lay-off as ONE 173 looms, asking: ‘Am I too old to fight now?’.
Both fighters won inside the distance to make their mark with their respective promotions.
The long read: Mako Nishimura fought her way into the Japanese underworld, but drug addiction and the slow demise of organised…
Nuha Shah’s dramatic armbar victory over Tara Abrahams at Barebones Mixed Martial Arts 8 in Cape Town showcased the rapid rise of…
