A wave of emotions rushed over Melody Downs as she was announced the winner of the Queens of Muay Thai New Zealand title.

Downs defeated three opponents in one night to claim the victory in Timaru on Saturday night.

She says it means so much to attain the title.

"A lot of work, sweat and tears went into prepping for that 8 woman and it was all worth it."

Downs had no easy path to the top, defeating Mel Mackey-Huriwai in a fiercely contested quarter-final bout, before defeating her friend Miriam Tio Lenzen in the semi-final.

In the tournament finale, Downs faced undefeated IKBF New Zealand champion Mackenzie Jean, imposing her clinch game to hand Jean her first career loss.

Fight News caught up with Downs after the event. See what she has to say below.

How were you feeling heading into the fight?

Physically I felt good. Mentally, it was a bit tough. There was a lot going on for me in the months leading up to this fight, which had an impact. At the end of the day I had to dig very deep, bite down on my mouthguard and empty the tank, and that was the mentality I carried into the ring with me before every fight.

Aside from that, I still felt hungry to win and physically I felt fit and strong. I knew I had the capability of fighting three hard fights – it was just a matter of coming to the party mentally, and thankfully that strategy worked out in the end.

Was there any point during the fights that you knew you had won?

I always keep score in my head as I go, so in the first fight I felt I had the points. The second fight ended quickly, but it was hard for me because Miriam is a good friend of mine.

The third fight was a close one and it was difficult to gauge who was taking the rounds. Macca and I both wanted to win and neither one of us relented. It just came down to pure grit and it ended up being an absolute war, which was awesome.

How did it feel to raise the title?

When they announced there was a split decision after the final round of the last fight, I was definitely nervous because I wanted it so badly. Then when they announced our corner as the winner I just felt so elated. Emotions rushed through me because it meant so much to attain that title. A lot of work, sweat and tears went into prepping for that 8 woman and it was all worth it.

Melody Downs (left) and Macca Jean (right) after their tournament final bout (photo: Bradley Powdrell)

What's next for you?

Right now I’m moving into off-season training, but I don’t have any fights lined up at this stage. I’m hoping it will be safe enough for us to travel overseas next year so we can get on the international scene.

Was this your first fight for this year? What and when was your last fight?

My first fight this year was against Baby Nansen back in August on Art of War. I then fought Kaitlyn Tucker that same month for a WKBF NZ Light Welterweight title which I managed to win. And over the weekend I had the three fights against Mel Mackey-Huriwai, Miriam Tio-Lenzen and Mackenzie Jean.

Where do you fight/train out of?

Team Downs Gym / CORE MMA. We merged with CORE MMA earlier this year so I basically train / fight out of both.

How long have you been involved in combat sports?

I’ve been involved for 13 years now. Officially started at the tender age of 20. I’m now 33 (my birthday was on the weekend – same day as the fights).

What got you involved in Muay Thai?

When I was 17, my boyfriend at the time started training Muay Thai. I didn’t really know what it was, but when I went to watch him fight I thought “I want to do that”. I dabbled in Taekwondo when I was 14 and 16, and I had a few fights (although I was never any good at it). I think I got a taste for fighting from that – I absolutely loved it!

Then when I experienced a Muay Thai show for the first time, and saw people fighting, it ignited that urge to fight again. So I joined a Muay Thai gym with the intention of getting in the ring and I haven’t looked back since.

And if there is anything else you would like to add, please feel free.

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has ever helped me get to where I am. From trainers to friends and family, to people who just help by giving up their time – every single person has had a role to play in our successes.

I always maintain that, even though we get in the ring by ourselves, there is a team of people that have helped you get there and for that I am truly grateful.