Adorned with piercings and tattoos, Sy Jewett doesn’t exactly look like your "typical" MMA fighter.  That isn’t to say she isn’t intimidating, and she definitely packs a punch.

The 27-year-old currently resides in Red Deer but will be in Calgary on March 15th challenging 4-time Muay Thai champion Charmaine Tweet at the Telus Convention Centre for AFC 15: THE IDES.

And while she may be considered the bout’s underdog, it’s a role Jewett relishes.

"I like it because people will be surprised," she says of her hopes to win the battle.

Jewett’s parents enrolled her in martial arts when she was just eight-years-old and she has been involved in MMA for the last four.

"I was full of energy and protecting all the kids from being bullied so we decided it would help me," Jewett says of her early beginnings. "My influence at that time was my family, who are still very supportive.  My mom’s my biggest fan and I know my dad’s very proud of me as well as my sister, Alicia."

While her friends and family are supportive, they still worry about her.

"It is one of the most dangerous sports out there to do, but I love what I do and I’m also good at it."

Jewett, who is lesbian, says it helps that her girlfriend is supportive as well.

"She loves UFC and totally supports my passion," she adds.

However, speaking of that, Jewett has had something of a battle outside of the ring when it comes to being  lesbian.

She came out to her family when she was 17-years-old, but says a lot of people in society are "old-fashioned and closed-minded."

"Being a lesbian in today’s society has its ups and downs, but it’s who I am and I wouldn’t change for anybody. I want nothing more than to be accepted and it pains me to see others torn apart by society because of their sexual preference."

Jewett accepts that she is one of few women in MMA and further, that she is one of the few lesbian MMA fighters in Canada.

"It’s huge, and I just want to represent all gays and beat some ass in the cage. It’s more than just standing up for my people, its making people understand that we’re human beings just like everyone else.  We laugh, we cry, we smile and if people could only see that and get to know us instead of passing judgment, the world would be a different place."

And she admits some people are shocked to learn she is a pro MMA fighter but Jewett does get a lot of attention, especially in Red Deer where there is only one other fighter.

"I get a lot of people telling me good luck and represent for all the Canadian gals. Makes me feel good and push harder."

While the physical aspect of fighting is vigorous and intense, the mental preparation is the most challenging part, Jewett says.

"The biggest challenge I face is injury and I put my body through a lot.  But the drive, the passion and the heart is what gets me through it. Sometimes you just have to bite your tongue and keep going."

When she isn’t fighting or preparing to fight, Jewett runs her own gym out of her home and teaches martial arts and fitness. She plans on fighting many more times and often, hoping to one day take on some of the biggest names in women’s fighting.

For now though, she will take on Tweet and head up to Edmonton for another battle later this month. Readers can check out her fan page: LadyDragon Sy Jewett on Facebook.