BRADFORD'S only world and European mixed martial arts medallist is preparing for her third international appearance.

Joanne Doyle, who trains at Team Fulinkazan gym on Sunbridge Road, has already won a featherweight (65.8kg) gold medal at IMMAF's (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) 2016 European Championships in Prague and a bantamweight (61.2kg) bronze at their 2017 World Championships in Manama, Bahrain.

The latter event was the biggest in the history of amateur mixed martial arts, drawing a record 250 participants from 48 countries.

Next up for Joanne, starting on Sunday, is the 2018 IMMAF European Championships at the Grand Rin Hotel in Bucharest, where she will again fight at bantamweight as part of the UK's team.

Included in the championships in Romania for the first time are World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMA) competitors after their amalgamation with the IMMAF.

Nevertheless, Joanne, whose coaches include her husband James, said "I always feel calm going into a fight as I'm confident in my preparation and training.

"At amateur level, I've always pushed for tough opponents, and the IMMAF tournaments attract the best from around the world."

She added: "I don't feel like I have training camps any more as I'm in the gym all year round, whether it's helping my team-mates who have upcoming fights or preparing for my own fight.

"If anything the intensity for sparring increases in the last six weeks but everything else is the same."

As for her medal prospects, Joanne said: "Looking at the fighters in my group for this tournament, I think the girls from Finland are the ones to beat.

"They have previous experience in the IMMAF tournaments and always perform well."

Joanne, who is also trained by Team Fulinkazan founder and head coach Mark Spencer, will be part of a 10-strong team of UK fighters in Bucharest.

She believes the coaching she receives have helped her maximise the preparation for this tournament, saying: "Mark Spencer and James are super supportive and work closely together on game plans and my fight preparation.

"The gym consistently produces top level fighters who are pushing me everyday."

In addition to her gold and bronze medals at mixed martial arts, Joanne also won titles in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu and grappling.

Joanne's sponsors are Floatology Huddersfield, who help her physical and mental preparation; Leeds-based Litebowls (dietary requirements), Graham Middleton Builders (financial support), Ritebike (financial support for training camps), JD Fit (nutrition and technical training), David Hudson S&C (strength and conditioning) and Warrior Woman (training and nutrition, plus training clothing).