Shanelle Dyer, a 25-year-old mixed martial artist from west London, credits her success in UFC to her parents' encouragement, which kept her away from a potential life of crime. Dyer made a spectacular debut in March, knocking out Ravena Oliveira in the second round, showcasing her skills after nearly a decade in various sports including ballet, gymnastics, and football.

Growing up in a community plagued by knife crime, Dyer reflects on the harsh realities of her neighborhood, stating, "Some of it was difficult, especially when you go to school and you find out people in your class got stabbed - some people actually died from my neighbourhood." She emphasizes the importance of her family's support in steering her toward a brighter future, saying, "It just motivated me, I didn't want to be in that situation."

Tragedy struck in 2020 when Dyer lost her friend and mentor Jahreau Shepherd, who was fatally stabbed at his birthday party. Dyer, who left the party an hour before the incident, carries Shepherd's memory with her as she prepares for her upcoming fight against Elise Reed in Las Vegas.

Dyer's nickname, "The Nightmare," serves as a tribute to Shepherd, reflecting their shared dream of becoming UFC fighters. "Jay is always with me. In my corner, every morning if I don't want to go training I can hear 'get up, you get to live your life - do it','" she shares. This fight is not just about her career; it’s about honoring a friend and fulfilling a dream they once shared.