Jamey-Lyn Horth’s story is more than just a tale of athletic success—it’s about transformation, commitment, and shared dreams. From a young soccer player in a small Canadian town to a UFC contender, her path has been both unique and inspiring
Her marriage to Kasey Smith is a cornerstone of that journey, providing emotional, technical, and moral support.
Together, they’ve built more than just a training facility—they’ve cultivated a lifestyle centered around martial arts and personal growth.
Horth’s loyalty to Squamish, combined with her humble persona and relentless work ethic, makes her a standout not just in the UFC, but as a role model.
She embodies the spirit of a fighter who isn’t just chasing wins but also seeking self-improvement and a deeper understanding of her craft.
Win or lose on Saturday, what’s clear is that Horth will continue to represent her country, her community, and her values with dignity.
She might not be the loudest voice or the flashiest personality, but in a sport often filled with bravado, her quiet tenacity makes her stand out in a different and equally powerful way.
Also Read: Stamp Fairtex Backs Ham Seo Hee in Epic MMA Showdown
Table of Contents
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Who Is He?
A Fighter’s Journey Inside and Outside the Octagon
Jamey-Lyn Horth is preparing for a pivotal moment in her MMA career as she steps back into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Atlanta.1
Facing Vanessa Demopoulos in a women’s flyweight showdown, Horth will open the preliminary card of a packed Fight Night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
With a professional UFC record of 2-2, Horth seeks to rebound from a unanimous decision loss to Miranda Maverick in her last bout at UFC Tampa.
But while much attention is on her athletic ability and determination to rise in the flyweight ranks, there is a fascinating personal journey behind Jamey-Lyn Horth—a story of perseverance, Canadian pride, and quiet confidence that extends well beyond the cage.
Ohh this one’s going to be a banger. Super excited for this, Gio throws some mean hands! @BattlefieldFL
— Jamey-Lyn Horth (@jameylynhorth) February 9, 2024
A Humble Beginning in British Columbia
Jamey-Lyn Horth was born and raised in Squamish, British Columbia, a scenic town nestled between Vancouver and Whistler.
Known for its natural beauty and outdoor sports culture, Squamish gave Horth a childhood steeped in nature, adventure, and athleticism.
She was involved in various sports from a young age—soccer, snowboarding, and track and field all formed part of her athletic foundation.
However, it was martial arts that would eventually define her career. Starting out in kickboxing and then transitioning into MMA, Horth trained relentlessly at local gyms in British Columbia before eventually moving up the competitive ranks.
Canadian Spirit and Fighting Identity
As one of the few Canadian female fighters currently competing in the UFC, Horth proudly represents her country every time she steps into the cage.
While Canada has produced legendary names in MMA—like Georges St-Pierre and Rory MacDonald—there remains a smaller pool of women from the Great White North competing at the highest level.
Horth’s style is a blend of gritty striking and constant pressure. She possesses strong footwork and isn’t afraid to push the pace, making her a fan favorite for those who appreciate relentless action. Her roots in Canadian culture—gritty, hard-working, and humble—mirror her fighting persona.
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Career
From Regional Stardom to UFC Aspirations
Before her UFC debut in 2023, Horth built a solid reputation on the regional circuit, particularly in Canadian promotions like BFL (Battlefield Fight League) and LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) in the United States.2
Her undefeated run outside the UFC, marked by finishes and dominant performances, caught the attention of the UFC brass.
She made her promotional debut at UFC Vegas in 2023 against Hailey Cowan and secured a unanimous decision victory, immediately putting her on the radar of fans and analysts alike.
However, the road hasn’t been smooth since. She experienced ups and downs, with losses that exposed some areas for improvement—particularly her ground defense and ability to deal with elite grapplers.
Her most recent bout against Miranda Maverick at UFC Tampa in 2024 was a tough lesson. Though she showed grit, Maverick’s wrestling-heavy game plan neutralized Horth’s striking, leading to a decision loss. But rather than dwell on the defeat, Horth has treated it as fuel for growth.
Facing Vanessa Demopoulos: A Crucial Test
This Saturday, Horth faces Vanessa Demopoulos—an experienced and charismatic fighter known for her jiu-jitsu background and energetic Octagon performances.
Demopoulos, a former LFA strawweight champion, has had her own share of highs and lows in the UFC and brings both experience and danger to the matchup.
The fight is an important test for both athletes, but particularly for Horth. A win could reestablish her momentum and possibly earn her a main card spot in a future event.
A loss, however, would bring her UFC record to 2-3 and raise questions about her long-term trajectory in one of the most competitive women’s divisions.
Life Outside the Cage: Private, Purposeful, and Grounded
- Unlike many modern fighters who are highly active on social media, Jamey-Lyn Horth keeps a relatively low profile.
- She shares occasional training footage or photos from her outdoor adventures in British Columbia, but otherwise chooses to focus on her craft away from the spotlight.
- Friends and coaches describe her as reserved yet fiercely driven. She values discipline, preparation, and mental toughness—traits that stem from both her martial arts background and her upbringing in a small, community-oriented town.
- When she isn’t training, she enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, and spending time with her close-knit group of friends and family.
- Horth has also spoken in interviews about the importance of mental health, especially in combat sports.
- The pressures of fighting on the biggest stage in MMA can be overwhelming, and she believes in balancing physical training with emotional well-being.
- This mindset has helped her stay resilient during the setbacks in her UFC journey.
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Training Camp Adjustments and Improvements
Women’s MMA has grown immensely in recent years, but Canadian representation remains underwhelming.3
Horth is aware of the unique position she holds—not just as a fighter trying to climb the ranks, but as a role model for younger female athletes in Canada.
She often visits local gyms in her home province and makes time to interact with aspiring fighters, particularly young women looking to break into the sport. Her message is simple but powerful: “Believe in your strength, stay disciplined, and never let anyone define your limits.”
By staying true to her roots and leading with quiet confidence, Horth is gradually carving out her own legacy in Canadian MMA history.
Representing Women in Canadian MMA
Ahead of her UFC Atlanta bout, Horth made key adjustments to her training regimen.
She spent more time working on her wrestling defense and overall grappling, areas that proved to be her Achilles’ heel in the fight against Miranda Maverick. Reports suggest she brought in new training partners and consulted with wrestling specialists to help round out her game.
Her striking remains her strongest weapon—sharp, technical, and backed by solid cardio. If she can keep the fight with Demopoulos standing, her chances of winning increase significantly.
But more importantly, her camp has emphasized fight IQ—making smarter decisions in real time and controlling the pace of the fight.
What’s at Stake at UFC Atlanta?
While it may not be a pay-per-view main event, the fight between Horth and Demopoulos carries meaningful consequences for both women.
For Horth, a victory would bring a sense of redemption and propel her further in a stacked flyweight division that includes names like Alexa Grasso, Erin Blanchfield, and Manon Fiorot.
It’s also a chance to prove she belongs in the elite circle and has the potential to evolve into a top-10 contender.
Momentum is crucial in the UFC, and a win in Atlanta could open the door to high-profile fights and increased visibility.
Also Read: Claressa Shields Reveals Shocking Future Plans in MMA After PFL Success
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Family
Early Life and Roots in Squamish
Jamey-Lyn Horth was born and raised in the picturesque town of Squamish, British Columbia, nestled between Vancouver and Whistler.
With a population of around 23,819, Squamish is known for its close-knit community, breathtaking mountains, and outdoor adventure culture. It’s in this scenic environment that Horth’s early passion for sports began to flourish.
Though initially inclined toward soccer, playing the sport through her youth, Horth later found her true calling in mixed martial arts (MMA).
The shift from the soccer field to the MMA cage wasn’t accidental—it was inspired by her growing interest in combat sports and the influence of key people around her.
From Soccer Star to UFC Fighter
Horth’s transition from soccer to MMA is both inspiring and rare. After years of competing in soccer, she began dabbling in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.
Her natural athleticism and competitive spirit made the move smoother, and soon, what started as a hobby turned into a full-blown professional pursuit.
She eventually carved her path in the UFC, where she has since earned recognition for her aggressive fighting style, technical ability, and relentless spirit.
Her journey reflects not just athletic excellence, but a deep-rooted dedication to self-growth and discipline.
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Husband Kasey Smith
The Power Couple
Jamey-Lyn Horth is married to Kasey Smith, who is not only her life partner but also her MMA coach.
Their relationship is built on a solid foundation of mutual respect, trust, and shared ambition. While not much is publicly known about the specifics of their wedding or personal life, it’s clear that Smith plays a pivotal role in Horth’s professional journey.
Smith, who has nearly 1,000 followers on Instagram, often shares sparring and training clips with Horth. Their synergy—both inside and outside the gym—stands as a testament to their strong bond.
Their connection transcends typical coach-fighter dynamics. Together, they have built a lifestyle around martial arts, offering training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and MMA to students at The Sound Martial Arts gym in Squamish.
Building a Martial Arts Legacy in Squamish
The Sound Martial Arts facility isn’t just a gym—it’s a hub for local talent and a safe space for personal development through martial arts. Horth and Smith co-founded and run the gym together, putting their heart and soul into it.
During an interview ahead of her UFC fight against Ivana Petrovic in Edmonton, Horth highlighted how important it was for her to contribute something lasting to her community.
She said:
“It was just nice that we all sort of built this place together, that we can grow into and that my husband can enjoy. It was kind of like a big thank you to him for all his time and effort.”
This quote captures the essence of their shared vision. It’s not just about training for fights—it’s about empowering others and giving back to the town that raised her.
Jamey-Lyn Horth: Workout
Jamey-Lyn Horth shared how every single day’s consistency helps her to keep her strength through intense workout.
View this post on Instagram
A Town’s Pride: “Squamish vs. Everyone”
Horth’s rise through the MMA ranks hasn’t gone unnoticed in her hometown. Local news outlet Global BC ran a segment titled “Squamish vs. Everyone,” showcasing the town’s unwavering support for their star athlete.
This pride reflects how deeply connected Horth is to her roots. Whether it’s her social media posts or her public interviews, she consistently gives credit to Squamish for shaping her identity and athletic drive.
Her success is viewed not just as a personal milestone, but as a shared victory for the entire community.
Gratitude and Grounded Attitude
- One of Horth’s defining traits—besides her power in the cage—is her humility. She frequently expresses gratitude to those around her, particularly her husband and coach, Kasey Smith.
- Her appreciation extends beyond the Octagon, recognizing the emotional and logistical support that makes her UFC journey possible.
- This grounded nature likely contributes to her staying power in such a competitive sport.
- Where others may get lost in the hype or pressure, Horth remains centered, thanks in part to the strong support system she’s built at home and at The Sound Martial Arts gym.
- Kasey Smith might not have the same spotlight as his wife, but his role in her success is undeniable. As a coach, partner, and gym co-owner, Smith wears many hats.
- His training methodology has been credited for helping Horth sharpen her skills and elevate her game.
- While he maintains a relatively low profile, his influence can be seen in every aspect of Horth’s performance—from her footwork to her composure during fights.
- The couple’s dynamic, both personal and professional, is an exceptional example of teamwork and mutual growth.
Also Read: Jacob Markstrom Calls Out Teammates After Devils’ Epic Choke Against Hurricanes
