At just 24 years old, Tessa de Kom holds two championship belts, has competed on the global stage, and is gearing up for one of the biggest fights of her career at RISE 184 on December 15, 2024. But what’s life like beyond the spotlight for this rising star? In this exclusive profile, we get to know the person behind the gloves—the woman who’s as dedicated to her education as she is to perfecting her craft. The heavy-handed Arina Kobayashi will look to add a second title to her name as De Kom looks to defend her throne this weekend.
From the Netherlands to the World
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Tessa discovered kickboxing as a teenager, swapping soccer cleats for boxing gloves after her coach bluntly told her she was better suited for the ring. “At first, I was like, ‘No way, soccer is so fun!’” she said with a laugh. “But later, I realized I was learning a lot more in kickboxing. I thought, "Maybe I can get really good at this."
That key decision would eventually take her far beyond her hometown, earning her world titles and recognition as one of the best female fighters globally. Yet Tessa remains grounded, reflecting on the journey that brought her here. “Kickboxing isn’t just about winning,” she shared. “It’s about pushing yourself, learning from every fight, and becoming better—not just as a fighter but as a person.”
A Scholar in the Ring
While many athletes dedicate themselves entirely to their sport, Tessa has taken a different route. She’s just wrapped up her final year at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, studying sports marketing and management. Juggling a professional fight career and a demanding academic program isn’t easy, but for Tessa, both are equally important.
"Yeah, it's a lot," she admitted. "Sometimes I'll have deadlines for school while I’m in the middle of a fight camp. But I’ve learned to manage my time well. If I had to choose right now, I’d say the fight is more important to me," she added with a sheepish grin, "but I still make sure I meet my academic goals."
Tessa's discipline shows through in everything she does. Whether it’s a grueling six-day training schedule or late-night study sessions, she is ready. "In a way, both my education and my fighting complement each other,” she said. “What I learn in school helps me think about my career in the long term, and what I do in the gym teaches me resilience and focus."
A Love for Life’s Simple Joys
For all her intensity in the ring, Tessa is self-proclaimed bookworm and credits her love of reading to her mother, who works in a library. "I think I finish a book every two or three weeks," she said. "It’s really relaxing. I especially like reading before bed—it helps me sleep better and clears my mind."
Her trips to Japan for fights have also allowed her to indulge in her love of travel and culture. "The people there are so nice, and the food is amazing," she recalled. "Last time, I bought so much chocolate and candy. I think I gained weight just from that!"
Champion, Role Model, and Big Sister
Tessa is the kind of person who thrives on pushing others. At her gym, she’s known as a champion while being a motivator for those around her. "In the gym, everyone is equal," she said. "Don’t be scared that they’ll look at you differently or say, ‘Yeah, you’re a girl; you punch like a girl.’ Just say, ‘Yeah, I punch like a girl, and a girl can kick your ass!’ Every girl can do that."
She also cherishes her role as a big sister to her younger siblings. "They mean so much to me," she said. "Whenever I fight, I think about them. I want to be someone they can look up to."
Gratitude and Growth
Tessa is quick to acknowledge the people who have helped her along the way. "My trainers, my manager, my family—they’ve all sacrificed so much for me," she said. "Even during Christmas, when most people are with their families, my trainers were there for me. That means a lot."
And while she’s laser-focused on her upcoming title defense at RISE 184, she’s also thinking about what’s next. "I want to keep defending my titles, but I also want to keep growing," she said. "There’s always room to improve, whether it’s in fighting, in life, or as a person."
A Message to Fans
Tessa he remains deeply connected to her fans, who she credits for much of her motivation. "I want to say thank you to everyone who supports me,” she said. “I promise you, I’ll always give my best. And to anyone out there thinking about trying kickboxing—just do it! You’ll feel great about yourself, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find your passion, just like I did."
Whether she’s defending her titles, studying for exams, or reading a book before bed, Tessa de Kom is the embodiment of balancing strength and determination. For RISE 184, she added: “I will be at my best. And there will also be a little surprise in the fight.”
