In a couple of years, Joessie Pidgeon could be working toward a professional career in mixed martial arts. MMA fighting is one of herpassions; she’s been training for years with her father, Jeremy, who owns Team Mean MMA, a Snohomish gymnasium.
But for now, Pidgeon is focusing on her goal of winning a state wrestling title.
Pidgeon is the undisputed leader of the Snohomish girls wrestling team. She qualified for Mat Classic as a freshman and sophomore, takingfourth place in the 120-pound division last season.
“I say all the time that she’s the best overall wrestler in the room, technically and toughness-wise,” Panthers coach Joey Brown said. “She’svery aggressive. I’ve put her in the varsity (boys) lineup a few times, and she competes with the boys no problem.”
On Nov. 19, Pidgeon won the 130-pound Mauy Thai title at the Ax Fighting Championships in Edmonds with a third-round knockout ofAnisa Ashabi.
“She wants to make a career out of it, but right now she’s too young to go pro,” Brown said. “I think her toughness comes from her MMAbackground. She likes to compete and scrap, and a lot of that comes from her work with her dad. It shows on the mat.”
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