After making her professional debut with ONE FC (now known as ONE Championship) on Oct 18, 2013, she has gone on to rack an impressive record in the ring gaining more wins than losses in contests against international competitors.
Yet, she makes the time to devote to her other ventures in life, running a fitness centre and recreational adventure company, and most importantly, being a corporate and motivational speaker.
But for this enterprising 30-year-old from Kota Kinabalu, her biggest battle has not been in the ring but instead in sweeping aside stereotypes and social barriers on what women can or cannot do.
By intention or just by circumstance, Ann, who goes by the nickname “Athena” in the ring, has become a role model for many women and girls in Asia who are battling to realise their true identities in still-conservative societies, according to ESPN.
Not surprisingly, this applies to her sport with many people still viewing mixed martial arts (MMA) as a sport for men only. To many true fans of the sport, however, Ann has gone some way towards burying that false notion.
As for any advice that could help another young woman follow her path and become a fighter in the ring, Ann says it just requires hard work, being humble and listening to the coaches, never giving up, being brave enough to compete, learning from past fights and always aiming higher.
And it all started from years ago for this young Sabahan,when she decided to go to a gym.
Watching a Muay Thai demonstration in action, she knew what was her calling and she has not looked back since.