About the Photographer
Mia Prior has a Photography degree from the University of Plymouth, where she developed a strong foundation in documentary practice, visual storytelling, and ethical approaches to photographing people and communities. Her studies strengthened her ability to produce narrative-led work that explores social and cultural subjects with sensitivity.
What appeared from the outside to be one of the most brutal environments became, in reality, the place where I witnessed some of the deepest expressions of vulnerability, trust, and friendship.
Proposed Project
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is often portrayed through moments of violence, competition, and spectacle, shaping public perceptions that overlook the people and communities behind the sport. The project, 'Between Rounds', seeks to document the everyday culture of MMA gyms across the UK, exploring the lived experiences of fighters, coaches, and training partners beyond the cage.
The focus of the work is not competition itself, but the environments where athletes prepare, learn, and support one another. By photographing training sessions, recovery, quiet moments, and interactions between individuals, the project aims to reveal the discipline, trust, vulnerability, and resilience that define these spaces. It considers the gym as more than a place of physical training; it is a community where people develop confidence, build relationships, and navigate both personal and collective challenges.
As a woman working within a predominantly male environment, Mia brings a perspective that encourages careful observation and challenges stereotypical representations of masculinity within combat sports. Rather than reinforcing ideas of aggression or toughness alone, the project explores the emotional complexity of the sport, highlighting mentorship, camaraderie, respect, and the shared commitment required to train and improve.
