NASHVILLE – Alexis Davis has earned a UFC title shot before at bantamweight. Now she’s trying to do the same thing at flyweight.
Although the division is the newest of any under the UFC banner, Davis (19-8 MMA,6-3 UFC) has already been close. She lost to Katlyn Chookagian in her most recent bout at UFC on FOX 30 in December in a matchup that served as a springboard for Chookagian to compete in a No. 1 contender bout against Jessica Eye, who won and is now set to challenge champion Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 238 in June.
Davis is not rushing to compete for the belt, but she thinks a win over Jennifer Maia (15-5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 6 could help position her for a fight with similar stakes as to what she had against Chookagian this past year.
“I do (feel like) a win is going to push me forward,” Davis on Wednesday told MMA Junkie. “I’m going to take things one step at a time, but it’s going to push me right back up there.”
UFC on ESPN+ 6 takes place at Bridgestone Arena. The entire card streams on ESPN+.
Davis had hoped for a quicker turnaround following the fight with Chookagian but instead was forced to wait more than eight months before getting another contest on the books. Fighting in late 2018 or even earlier this year would’ve been ideal, but considering the infancy of the 125-pound division and fighters joining and exiting the division at a rapid rate, the Canadian said she understands the UFC’s process.
“It was not my choice,” Davis said. “I think it had a lot to do with I dropped down a division to flyweight, and I think they’re still kind of figuring out where everyone should be and what fights need to be made. I was hoping to fight a little bit earlier, but I’m still happy.”
Davis’ happiness largely stems from the matchup, she said. Maia has significantly less UFC experience, but the Brazilian is a former Invicta FC champion and has beaten some legitimate competition.
If Maia fights as she normally does, Davis believes it will bring out her best, and fans will see a fight that brings great entertainment.
“Of course her being a former champion for Invicta and just her experience level and style of fighting I was excited to fight against her,” Davis said. “I’m excited I have somebody that’s going to come out there and put on a good show and come out and fight me and be aggressive and put out all she can. I look forward to those tough fights like that.”
To hear more from Davis, watch our one-on-one interview in the video above.
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 6, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
