A Chinese woman who worked as an art director made headlines after quitting her job to become a professional combat athlete, ultimately achieving the milestone of being China’s first female participant in the World Slap Fighting Championship.
Ding Miao, 33, first majored in oil painting at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, one of the most prestigious art schools in China.
After graduation, she established a successful career in the gaming industry, serving as an art director and earning an annual salary of 300,000 yuan (US$43,000).
However, a few years into her career, she discovered combat sports by chance. Intrigued, she decided to leave her job and pursue a path as a professional MMA fighter.
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Since her professional debut in November 2016, she has compiled an impressive record of 18 wins and 8 losses, achieving a remarkable 100 per cent finishing rate with nine knockouts and nine submissions.
In 2019, while on a five-win streak, she suffered a fractured bone in her hand during overseas training, necessitating surgery upon her return home. Despite the setback, she continued her training without pause.
An even more devastating blow came from a financial betrayal. Ding fell victim to fraud while attempting to open a boxing gym, which led to the loss of all her savings and left her with 300,000 yuan in debt.
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