My family has never seen me fight, MMA fighter Chipito

Zambian mixed martial arts fighter Shelda “Miracle” Chipito fought back tears on Saturday. She shared that her family has never attended any of her fights. Her journey in combat sports has pushed her away from home, even as she rises in the sport, Sunday PUNCH reports.

Chipito, 27, made this revelation ahead of her strawweight fight against Egypt’s Haidy Ahmed at the Professional Fighters League Africa 2 event. The event took place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.

Training at Ulemu Fight Academy in Lusaka, Zambia, she spoke openly about the personal cost of her career. She has faced criticism from people around her and received little support from her family.

“It’s very difficult as a lady to be in a martial arts career. As a woman, to step into the cage, to train, you will get criticised. People will say things like ‘your body is going to change, you will not get married’. It is one of those things people say,” Chipito said.

“I want to use the doubts, the criticism as fuel to channel my energy into my future and career. I have been fighting as an amateur for three good years. I made my pro debut last year and I remain focused on my dreams.”

Her voice broke when she talked about her family.

Chipito, clearly emotional, shared that her sacrifices went beyond just facing public criticism.

“It has been very hard and I even had to drop out of school. I had no support and in the time I have been fighting, my family have never come to watch any of my fights,” she said, holding back tears.

The pain in her words stands in sharp contrast to the recognition she has earned. Chipito is an International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championship silver medallist. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema honoured her during the 2025 Independence Day Investiture Ceremony at State House in Lusaka. This moment was very emotional for her, considering how far she has come from her tough beginnings.

Chipito had nine wins and four losses as an amateur before turning professional in December 2025. She won her debut against Miracle Andrew via unanimous decision at the PFL Africa 4 Finals.