Ilima-Lei Macfarlane thought she’d be a social studies teacher or working for a non-profit organization at this stage in her life.
A cultural anthropology major at San Diego State University, Macfarlane has always wanted to teach and mentor. She also has a Master’s degree in liberal arts and science with a focus on indigenous issues.
Life hasn’t quite gone in that direction for Macfarlane — and she’s more than content with that. The Hawaiian is now a professional mixed martial artist and the Bellator women’s flyweight champion.
“I consider fighting my career now,” Macfarlane said. “But I can still work with non-profits, I can still have that educator side that I always wanted through programs like I’m working with right now.