A record-breaking mixed martial artist fighter, professional boxer and mom has roots in Brooklyn and trains at Gleason’s Gym in Dumbo.

News 12 Reporter Sabrina Franza met with Heather Hardy to learn more about her journey to the top in honor of Women’s History Month.

Heather ‘The Heat’ Hardy, known for her undefeated world champion boxer status, says her passion for fighting grew out of a divorce that was followed by moving in with her sister and raising their kids together.

She says one day her sister gave her a gift certificate for karate classes, and within three weeks of training, she won her first fight. 

 “I knew then that I was going to be a fighter,” she says. “At 28 years old, it was the first time in my life that I really felt I was really good at something or that I was passionate about something.”

She went on to say that mixed martial arts and boxing provide great motivation because they mirror the discipline of life.

“You get knocked down, but you have to get back up, you have to keep fighting - tomorrow's coming no matter what,” she says.

Hardy says her next fight will hopefully be against Jelena Mrdjenovich, her closest boxing record rival.