The MMA world was rightfully saddened by the reports that “Mighty” Mia Hayes lost her long battle with breast cancer this past Sunday afternoon after years of fighting the vicious disease. Hayes was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 with a prognosis of a 1-5 year life expectancy.
Hayes didn’t let the news of the terminal disease stop her as she began fighting MMA. She would go 3-0 as an amateur. Her last match was at Tuff-n-uff MMA in Vegas a year ago, getting a first round TKO victory over Brittany Griffin. Hayes continued to follow her passion of fighting even while going through rounds of treatment.
Originally wanting to be a boxer, Hayes ultimately transfered over to Tae Kwon Do in 2003, starting her training at Universal Grapplng Academy in Victorville, CA.
“It’s an inspirational journey to see their mom step in that ring to face the cancer, face the opponent, and face the world, and say ‘We can do this!’” Hayes stated last year.
Several organizations including the G2 Women’s MMA Summit, Tuff-n-uff, and Blackeye Promotions all dedicated events to Hayes, in efforts to bring cancer awareness to the forefront.
Hayes would receive both the WMMA Press and the Tuff-n-uff Inspirational Fighter of the Awards this year; and was the rallying cry for the women’s MMA community to adapt breast cancer as their charity of choice.
Hayes is survived by her husband Youssouf Camara and their seven children. Camara had quit his job in order to take care of Mia and their children. A fund has been set-up to help the family with expenses. You can donate by either sending a paypal payment to 1mightymia@gmail.com or sending it to MIGHTY MIA HAYES FAMILY @15610 Bowstring ST. Victorville, CA 92394. Please make the check to her husband Youssouf Camara.