MMA sensation Julija Pajic has announced that she will be entering the Professional Fighters League (PFL) this year, and has vowed to donate the $1m prize money to her Mum if she emerges victorious.
Although the 23-year-old is currently just 3-0 in her professional career, the lightweight star was thrust into the spotlight in Germany after dominating a male opponent in an inter-sex exhibition bout she signed up to online.
Recalling the experience, Pajic said: "I thought, 'Oh my god, of course this is great, very interesting'.
"I put my email and the people wanted to make a fight for me. I was happy, but I didn't get to choose the opponent.
"For me I just wanted to fight for a man because all my life it's been a dream no matter who comes in the cage I want to show that I can also fight a man."
After silencing her critics with her victory over challenger Stefan Scholz , Pajic soon started to build a reputation for herself in the local area as word of her fighting prowess started to get around.
“A lot of people found out about the fight - it's a girl against a man, it's not something that happens everyday,” Pajic said.
"For example one day I went on the train and when I came off some boys came to me and said, 'Hey, you're the girl fighter'.
Speaking of the pressure that comes with such a reputation, Pajic said that: "It's a lot of positivity, some negativity but all the time you get both positives and negatives."
Joining her at the PFL finals this year will be 2019 champion Kayla Harrison, Cindy Dandois, Genah Fabian, Olena Kolesnyk, Mariana Morais, Larissa Pacheco and Laura Sanchez.
Pajic, a German-born who resides in Montenegro but trains in Croatia, claims that the three-fight tournament will be her toughest test to date, and has vowed to share her winnings with her mother and family back home in Montenegro if she goes all the way.
"I would help people, for example who are ill or with mental health, and also I want to give money to my mum.
"For so many years she gave me money for training and because of her I am where I am now.
"I want to give this back to her. I am also sure she would give money back to my grandma in Montenegro as there is not much money there."
PFL CEO Peter Murray said: “Each fighter has his or her own unique journey and we are confident the PFL will provide them and our fans with ample opportunity for exciting match-ups making it a great season.”
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/Slavik JungeTopics: MMA
Tom Sanders