Zambian mixed martial arts fighter Shelda “Miracle” Chipito fought back tears on Saturday as she revealed that her family have never attended any of her bouts and that her pursuit of a career in combat sports has effectively led to her being exiled from home — even as she continues to rise in the sport, Sunday PUNCH reports.
Chipito, 27, made the revelation ahead of her strawweight bout against Egypt’s Haidy Ahmed at the Professional Fighters League Africa 2 event at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.
The Ulemu Fight Academy product, who trains out of Lusaka, Zambia, spoke candidly about the personal cost of her chosen career — one that has drawn criticism from those around her and brought little support from within her own household.
“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.
“One thing about me is that I am not someone who lets critics bring me down. 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 and I made my pro debut last year and I remain focused on my dreams.”
Her composure faltered only when she spoke about her family.
Chipito, visibly emotional, disclosed that the sacrifices have gone well beyond simply enduring 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, fighting back tears.
The pain behind those words sits in stark contrast to the recognition Chipito has since earned. An International Mixed Martial Arts Federation World Championship silver medallist, she was honoured by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema during the 2025 Independence Day Investiture Ceremony at State House in Lusaka — a moment she described as deeply emotional given how far she had come from her difficult beginnings.
Chipito went nine wins and four losses as an amateur before turning professional in December 2025, winning her debut against Miracle Andrew via unanimous decision at the PFL Africa 4 Finals.
