Melissa Croden Scare

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Fighter bio

Melissa Croden – General Profile

Melissa “Scare” Croden is a Canadian professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division. Born on April 12, 1991, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Croden is known for her aggressive striking, finishing instincts, and resilience inside the Octagon. Outside of fighting, she balances her MMA career with work as an emergency medical technician in Calgary.

MMA Career

Croden began her professional mixed martial arts career in 2019 after training in taekwondo and kickboxing earlier in life. She built her reputation on the regional circuit with a strong finishing rate, including multiple knockouts and a submission victory. She earned a UFC contract in 2025 and made her promotional debut on October 18, 2025, stopping Tainara Lisboa via TKO in the third round. Later that year on December 13, 2025, she faced Luana Santos at UFC Fight Night, going the distance in a competitive bout. Croden’s record reflects her ability to end fights early and compete against top-level opponents in one of women’s most competitive divisions.

Fighting Style

Croden employs a striking-based style rooted in kickboxing and taekwondo, using crisp combinations, heavy strikes, and forward pressure to overwhelm opponents. She has shown effective striking at range and in the clinch, and pairs it with defensive grappling when needed. Her finishing mindset has produced multiple stoppages throughout her career, and she continues to refine both her striking and grappling as she competes at the highest level.

Recent Developments

In her recent UFC appearances, Croden has demonstrated her finishing ability and willingness to step up on short notice. After stopping Lisboa by TKO in her debut, she accepted a matchup against a higher-ranked opponent later in 2025, showcasing her toughness and competitive evolution in the Octagon. She remains an active bantamweight contender with a strong finishing pedigree.

Personal Life

Outside the Octagon, Croden works as an emergency medical technician (EMT) for the City of Calgary while continuing to train full-time in MMA. Her nickname “Scare” originated early in her training when her coach likened her stiff movement to that of a scarecrow, a moniker she’s since embraced. Croden maintains close family ties and balances her professional fighting career with her life as a healthcare provider.