Brief Introduction of Michelle Montague
Michelle Montague, known by her moniker “The Wild One,” is a formidable presence in the world of professional mixed martial arts. Hailing from Matamata, New Zealand, she has made history as The first woman from her country to be signed by the prestigious Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Montague’s journey to the pinnacle of MMA is built on a diverse and dominant athletic background, including a successful career in freestyle wrestling where she represented New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games. Her tenacity and skill are evident in her undefeated professional record, characterized by a remarkable series of submission victories that have established her as a rising star in the bantamweight division. Now training with the elite American Top Team in Florida, Montague continues to break barriers and set new standards for female athletes in combat sports, inspiring a new generation of fighters in her home country and beyond.
Michelle Montague Overview
| Full Name | Michelle Yvonne Montague |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 31 |
| Birthplace | Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly known |
| Family | Parents, one brother |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Michelle Montague
Michelle Montague was born and raised in the rural town of Matamata in Waikato, New Zealand, an environment that undoubtedly shaped her resilient and adventurous spirit. Growing up on a 300-cow dairy farm, she was immersed in a life of hard work and outdoor activities from a young age. Alongside her brother, Montague’s childhood was filled with experiences that fostered her toughness and “wild” nature, from possum hunting with her father to riding motorbikes and building jumps on the farm. Her family was actively involved in various sports; her mother competed in dressage, and Montague, along with her father and brother, raced BMX bikes, even competing at the World Championships in Adelaide, Australia. This early exposure to competition and a physically demanding lifestyle laid the groundwork for her future athletic pursuits. She also spent a significant amount of time on the water, fishing and surfing with her family. Montague’s formal education after high school involved a one-year diploma in tourism and business from the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. This led to a lifeguarding job in Florida at the age of 19, an experience she credits as a pivotal moment that eventually led her back to the United States to train at the renowned American Top Team.
Michelle Montague’s Career
Michelle Montague’s career is a testament to her athletic versatility and relentless drive. Before dedicating herself to mixed martial arts, she was a forward for the Waikato women’s rugby team, a sport known for its physicality. Her journey into combat sports began with a strong foundation in wrestling, which saw her represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022. She also excelled in grappling, becoming a multiple-time NZ Grappler National Champion.
Her amateur MMA career was highly successful, culminating in her winning the IMMAF World Championship in the women’s lightweight division in 2019. This victory was a historic moment as she became the first athlete from Waikato to medal at the prestigious tournament.
Montague made her professional MMA debut in March 2022 in the PFL Challenger Series, securing a first-round submission victory. This win set the tone for her professional career, as she went on to amass an undefeated record with all of her victories coming by way of submission, predominantly the rear-naked choke. She has competed in prominent promotions such as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Bellator MMA, consistently showcasing her grappling prowess.
A significant milestone in her career came when she signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), becoming the first New Zealand woman to do so. Now training at American Top Team in Florida, she is poised to make her mark in the UFC’s bantamweight division. Her debut in the UFC was a successful one, where she secured a win against Luana Carolina.
Michelle Montague Personal Life & Family
Michelle Montague’s personal life is deeply rooted in her family and her upbringing in New Zealand. She is one of two children and has a close relationship with her parents and brother. Though she now resides and trains in Florida, she remains a “homebody” at heart and values her connection to her family. She is a proud aunt to her brother’s and cousins’ children. Her parents have been a significant influence on her life, with her mother’s background in equestrian sports and her father’s shared passion for outdoor activities. Montague has expressed that being away from her family to pursue her career is a sacrifice, and she cherishes the moments she gets to spend at home. She does not have any children of her own. As for her romantic life, including any husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend, this information is not publicly available. Michelle Montague’s biography often highlights her dedication to her sport, which appears to be a central focus in her life.
Awards and Achievements of Michelle Montague
- First New Zealand woman to sign with the UFC
- IMMAF World Champion (Women’s Lightweight Division, 2019)
- New Zealand Commonwealth Games Representative for Freestyle Wrestling (2018 & 2022)
- Oceania Wrestling Champion
- Colby Harris Memorial Cup Recipient (2018)
- Multiple NZ Grappler National Champion
- 2x Full Force Sub-Only Absolute Champion
- IBJJF Blue Belt Open World Champion (2022)
- Shuriken Featherweight Champion (2021)
Michelle Montague Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Michelle Montague’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Her income is primarily derived from her professional fighting career, which includes earnings from fight purses and potential performance bonuses in promotions like the UFC, PFL, and Bellator. As she continues to compete in the UFC, her earnings are expected to increase. Additional income sources may include sponsorships and endorsements, though specific details about these are not widely publicized. The financial details of UFC fighters’ contracts are often confidential, making it difficult to provide a precise figure for Michelle Montague’s net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Michelle Montague’s legacy is already significant, primarily as a trailblazer for women in New Zealand’s combat sports scene. By becoming the first Kiwi woman to sign with the UFC, she has broken down a major barrier and created a path for future generations of female fighters from her country. Her success on the international stage in both MMA and wrestling serves as a powerful inspiration. She is not only making a name for herself but also elevating the profile of women’s MMA in New Zealand. Her public image is that of a determined and authentic athlete who is proud of her roots. Montague has expressed her awareness of her position as a role model and her desire to make her country proud with her accomplishments in the UFC.
Interesting Facts about Michelle Montague
- Her nickname, “The Wild One,” originated from her energetic and defiant personality as a child, a name given to her by her parents.
- Before her fighting career, she was the Factory Manager for Viking Kayaks, her family’s business for 20 years.
- She was inspired to start training in MMA after watching a video of Ronda Rousey on YouTube at the age of 20.
- She has a 100% finishing rate in her professional MMA career, with all of her victories coming by way of rear-naked choke.
- Montague is an avid outdoorswoman with hobbies that include fishing, shark tooth hunting, surfing, and dirt bike riding.
- She is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Controversies
There are no significant public controversies associated with Michelle Montague’s career or personal life. She is generally portrayed in the media as a focused and dedicated athlete.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Followers not specified in search results.
- Twitter – Followers not specified in search results.
- YouTube – Over 140 subscribers.
Final Words about Michelle Montague
Michelle Montague stands as a pioneering figure in New Zealand’s sporting history. Her journey from a farm in Matamata to the global stage of the UFC is a story of perseverance, raw talent, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. As she continues her career in the highly competitive bantamweight division, the fighting world watches with anticipation to see how “The Wild One” will further carve her name into the annals of mixed martial arts. Her future plans undoubtedly involve climbing the UFC rankings and continuing to inspire a new wave of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem.
