Ready for the Challenge: Tayler Milam-Brown Set for MMA Debut at XFA Fight Night 4

As XFA Fight Night 4 approaches, all eyes are on rising talent Tayler Milam-Brown as she prepares to make her amateur MMA debut on May 24th in Harriman, TN. Training out of Knoxville Martial Arts Academy, Tayler already holds a win in amateur kickboxing and now steps into the cage to face the more experienced Rachel Beauchamp. We caught up with Tayler ahead of her debut to talk training, mindset, and what fans can expect when she makes the walk for the first time under the XFA banner. 

XFA:  Tayler, you’ve already notched a win in amateur kickboxing, but this will be your MMA debut. How has your training shifted at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy in preparation for stepping into the cage for the first time?

Tayler:  Training has become much more well-rounded. With kickboxing, the focus was obviously on striking, but preparing for MMA meant tightening up my wrestling, grappling, and learning how to blend everything together. The coaches at KMAA have been incredible-each one brings something different, and they've helped me evolve from a striker into a more complete fighter. It's been humbling and exciting to grow in new areas.

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XFA:  Your opponent, Rachel Beauchamp, comes in with a lot more fight experience in both MMA and kickboxing. What’s your mindset heading into a matchup like this, where you’re the newcomer facing a veteran?

Tayler:   I respect Rachel and what she's accomplished.  Experience is valuable in this sport. But I also know how hard I've worked and the kind of athlete I am.  I'm not walking in there intimidated.  I'm walking in as prepared and focused as I can.  I see this as an opportunity to test myself and show that I belong here, even against someone with more fights under their belt.  Looking forward to a fun time!

XFA:  For fans who may not be familiar with your style yet, how would you describe your approach as a fighter—and what can they expect to see from you on May 24th?

Tayler:  I'd say my style is aggressive, but calculated.  I like to pressure, push the pace, and stay sharp on the feet-but l've also been working hard to round out my game. People can expect intensity, grit, and someone who's coming to put on a fight-not just to be in there, but to make a statement.

XFA:  MMA is a demanding sport that requires a lot of sacrifices. What motivated you to take this leap into mixed martial arts, and what’s been the biggest challenge so far in your journey?

Tayler:  Honestly? I love a challenge. MMA makes you uncomfortable, and that's where the growth happens. The biggest challenge has been balancing all the hats I wear outside the gym, while still giving 100% inside it. Some days I feel like a fighter, a zombie, and a laundry machine all in one—but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  Every bruise has been worth it.

XFA:  Knoxville Martial Arts Academy has produced some tough fighters. How has the team there shaped you, and what does it mean to represent that gym on a platform like XFA Fight Night?

Tayler:  KMAA is a special place. The coaches and teammates there genuinely want to see you succeed, but they're going to push you to earn it.  They've made me tougher, smarter, and more confident-not just as a fighter, but as a person.  My personal coach, Dan, in particular has had a huge impact in my training. He knows when to push, when to teach, and when to just crack a joke and remind you to breathe.  I’m so lucky, because our coaches care about mine and other athletes personal lives as well. To represent KMAA means everything. I carry that name with pride, and I want to show the level of preparation and heart that comes out of our gym.

XFA:  With this being your debut, what would a win on May 24th mean to you personally—and what are your goals moving forward in MMA after this fight?

Tayler:  A win would mean a lot. But It's not just about the hand raise—it's about proving to myself that I earned it, that the hard work and the sacrifices are paying off. It would also mean a lot to give that back to my coaches and teammates who've put so much into helping me get here. After this fight, I just want to keep growing. Whether it's one fight or a hundred, I'm here to learn, and keep showing up better than the last time. It’s all in God’s hands.

Tayler Milam-Brown is looking to make a statement in her MMA debut, and she’ll get that opportunity on May 24th at Roane State Community College in Harriman, TN—marking the first combat sports event ever held at the venue. Don’t miss this historic night of action as XFA Fight Night 4 brings some of the region’s toughest amateur talent to the cage. Tickets are available now at www.officialxfa.com, and fans who can’t attend in person can catch all the action live on pay-per-view through Millions.co.

Support Tayler by grabbing her official walkout shirt here.