Katy Collins Racking Up the Wins, but Not the Cage Time... and That's Okay | MMAWeekly.com

So far, 2016 has been a mirror of a year for flyweight up-and-comer Katy Collins. In two bouts this year, Collins has picked up two first-round finishes, adding to the three first-round finishes she picked up in 2015.

“Basically, I feel like I did what I went in there to do with each fight,” Collins told MMAWeekly.com. “Specifically with my Bellator fight (in June), I felt a lot of pressure on me because it was a big show, and I felt like I had a lot to prove, so I was really happy with my performance there.

“I was a little bit surprised that I actually did as well as I did so quickly, but that’s how I like to do things, I like to go in there and get it done so it’s over with. I feel like I’ve done that with all the fights that I’ve had this year.”

While going longer in fights is good for gaining experience, to Collins, getting first-round finishes each time out is a good problem to have.

“I guess you could say that getting more cage time is good, and I’ve thought about it myself, but in the end, it boils down to that I want to impose my will and keep my opponent from doing what they want to do,” she said. “In my head I have a job to do right then and I want to get it done so it’s over with and go about my business.”

Collins (5-0) steps up to her toughest task yet when she takes on Mandy Polk (3-2) in a 120-pound catchweight main card bout at RFA 46 on Friday in Branson, Mo.

“I know that she’s a wrestler, has a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and is a professional bodybuilder, so she’s going to be strong,” said Collins of Polk. “In the past, I’ve finished all my opponents on the ground when it has gone to the ground, but I’m comfortable striking with her. I’m comfortable either way it goes.

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“I’m really excited about the fact that she’s a really game opponent and that she definitely is an athlete.”

With her stock quickly rising over the past two years, Collins is approaching 2017 with an open mind towards whatever possibilities that are presented her.

“I usually just go fight by fight and see what happens,” she said. “For the most part, I just try to stay ready. You never really know when something is going to come up, and if you’re always ready, you’re open for any opportunities that come your way.”

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