MELISA BOÇI, THE ITALIAN CHAMPION WHO WILL FIGHT FOR ALBANIA AT THE MMA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

From a modest garage in Italy, where she began training simply for fun, to the MMA World Championships with the Albanian flag draped over her shoulders—this is the remarkable story of Melisa Boçi.

Born and raised in Prato, Italy, to Albanian parents from Elbasan, the 25-year-old began her mixed martial arts journey in 2022. At the time, she never imagined building a competitive career and even believed that she was too old to begin fighting.

However, her training, early bouts and impressive results quickly gave her life a new direction.

“I started four years ago. At first, I did it for fun, but later I realized that I had a competitive spirit, and then I began fighting,” Boçi explained in an interview with Report TV.

Her dedication soon produced significant results. Melisa recorded TKO victories in national competitions and finished first at the 2025 Italian Absolute Amateur MMA Championships, becoming an Italian champion.

According to the tournament’s official standings, Boçi claimed first place ahead of Italian fighters Teresa Parlato and Alice Farnedi. That achievement opened the door to an even greater opportunity: representing Albania on the world stage.

The specialist MMA database Tapology lists the Albanian fighter with an amateur record of eight victories and three defeats.

“PUNCHES DON’T SCARE ME”

MMA is a demanding sport that requires strength, technique, discipline and courage. For Melisa, however, the strikes and intense confrontations inside the cage are not something to fear.

“I enjoy it. I’m not afraid. Punches aren’t scary,” she declared.

Before discovering mixed martial arts, Melisa did not have a clear direction in life. She has explained that MMA gave her discipline, motivation and an entirely new way of living.

“Mixed martial arts saved me from a life without direction. It feels as though they gave me a second chance to live a full life,” the Albanian fighter said.

Her preparation is now extremely demanding. She trains two or three times a day and has also participated in international training camps in Australia and Serbia, where she worked alongside high-level athletes and professional European fighters.

ALBANIA—THE CHOICE OF HER HEART

Although Melisa was born in Italy and does not yet speak Albanian fluently, her connection with her parents’ homeland remains very strong. Her decision to compete under the red-and-black flag was a choice made from the heart.

“I was born in Italy, but Albania is in my heart. I love Albanian culture. I don’t speak Albanian very well yet, but I will learn. I have the support of Albanians, and I’m very happy that I will raise the Albanian flag,” she said.

For years, Boçi felt caught between two identities: Italian because of the country where she was born and Albanian because of her heritage. Now, inside the cage, those two parts of her life will come together.

Her Italian coach, Matteo Casini, will be in her corner alongside representatives of the Albanian national team. For Melisa, this cooperation demonstrates that the two cultures can unite and produce athletes capable of competing at the highest level.

Arjan Rizai, president of the Albanian MMA Federation, described Boçi’s arrival as an important development for the national team.

“Melisa is a very strong athlete. Her rivals are competing in the UFC and the world’s leading organizations. She is an Italian champion, and it is a source of pride for us to support her,” Rizai said.

WHEN WILL MELISA BOÇI FIGHT?

The 2026 IMMAF World Championships will take place from November 1–7 in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The draw has not yet been conducted, meaning Melisa’s opening opponent and the exact date of her first bout remain unknown. Her individual schedule will be determined after registration closes and the official tournament brackets are released.

Depending on the number of competitors and her results, Boçi could fight several times during the World Championship week. If she advances through the elimination rounds, she will return to the cage on multiple occasions on her way toward a potential final.

Coach Matteo Casini believes the Albanian fighter has everything required to compete for first place.

“Melisa is the best fighter on my team. She trains constantly, twice a day. Our objective at the World Championships is the gold medal because I believe we have every possibility of winning it,” Casini said.

Melisa shares her coach’s confidence and does not hide her ambition.

“I’m going there for a medal. My opponents are very strong, but I have a competitive spirit. I have everything it takes to win. I deserve the gold medal, and I’m going there to take it,” she declared.

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS—HER FINAL AMATEUR STOP

The World Championships in Tbilisi are expected to be the final competition of Melisa Boçi’s amateur MMA career. After the tournament, she plans to turn professional and begin a new chapter in her journey.

Her ultimate dream is to reach the UFC, the largest and most prestigious mixed martial arts organization in the world. A move to the UFC has not been officially confirmed and remains a long-term ambition.

Before focusing on the professional stage, however, Melisa has an important mission in Tbilisi: to fight for the gold medal and raise the Albanian flag on the world podium.

From the garage where it all began to becoming an Italian champion—and now representing Albania—Melisa Boçi is ready to write the most important chapter of her story.