Janay Harding is a highly talented New Zealand MMA fighter, who dominates the Featherweight division of Bellator with her impressive skills. Her professional MMA record is 6-8-0 (W-L-D). She is also a professional boxer
Born on September 28, 1994, in New Zealand, Janay Harding’s journey to success began with her dedication to Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Janay Harding made her professional MMA debut on April 17, 2014, at FightWorld Cup 17 against Megan Anderson, and despite a challenging start and losing via unanimous decision, her determination led her to a triumphant win at the Eternal MMA 5 event against Helen Malone in May 2014.
Janay Harding faced Jess Doueihi at the BFW Brace 36 in September 2015 and registered her second win via TKO in the first round.
In the next two years, she continues her MMA career in Eternal MMA and Sledgehammer Promotions – Legend MMA 1, registering two losses to Jessica-Rose Clark and Arlene Blencowe, before making a fantastic TKO win in the second round versus Ramona Pascual at the Fight Factory Gym – E-1 World Championship.
Her resilience and determination to success brought her to signing with Bellator in 2018, where she faced Amber Leibrock at the Bellator 199 in May, but lost via unanimous decision. She reached two wins versus Sinead Kavanagh and Marina Mokhnatkina at the Bellator 207 and Bellator 219, before losing to Amanda Bell at the Bellator 233 in November 2019 via TKO in the third round.
Meanwhile, Janay Harding faced Tayla Harris for the vacant Australian female super-welterweight boxing title at The Melbourne Pavilion on November 22, 2019. She lost the bout via TKO in the 4th round.
On November 5, 2020, Janay Harding faced Jessy Miele at Bellator 251 and won via unanimous decision. This was her last victory in professional MMA, as in the next three fights, she lost to Leah McCourt at the Bellator 259 via submission, as well as Dayana Silva at the Bellator 279 and Sinead Kavanagh at the Bellator 291 via unanimous decision.
After a series of losses, her contract with Bellator was not renewed. She had her last fight in September 2023 versus Jamie Edenden at the Beatdown Promotions 5, but again lost via unanimous decision.
Janay Harding’s unwavering spirit and skill continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Janay Harding photo
