Hey, Jennifer Maia, welcome to the UFC. Here’s former title challenger Liz Carmouche. Oh, came up short? How about former title challenger Alexis Davis, then?
That’s the path the former Invicta FC flyweight champion has faced thus far in the UFC, but the Brazil’s Maia insists she’s fine with her journey to date.
“I always let things happen as they should,” Maia told MMA Junkie in her native Portuguese. “I’ve always been happy with every opponent I’ve had, since after each difficult bout against a worthy opponent, my name recognition increased significantly, and I learned a lot with each defeat.
“In fighting, you either win or you learn. My UFC debut was a loss. But I feel I learned a lot from facing a great, experienced opponent. That’s going to be a great help going forward.”
Carmouche welcomed Maia to the UFC this past July and promptly handed her a decision loss. Now Maia (15-5-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) gets her shot at redemption against Davis (19-8 MMA, 6-3 UFC) at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 6, which takes place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The entire event streams on ESPN+.
It’s actually an even tougher challenge than her debut, if you go by the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie MMA women’s flyweight rankings, with Carmouche sitting at No. 9 and Davis at No. 8.
Of course, Maia is no slouch at No. 10 and said she’s excited to give it another go.
“Alexis Davis is very experienced,” Maia said. “I am ready, and I will continue to work towards being even more ready so I can be victorious in this fight.
“Since the UFC only has tough fights, regardless of who I face, I prepare in every facet of the sport. It will be hard. But I’ll look to defeat her in every way possible.”
A member of Brazil’s famed Chute Boxe Academy, Maia’s striking certainly won’t be a concern, but she knows Davis’ well-rounded approach will push her to the limit in all aspects of the fight. Still, after a disappointing debut in the UFC that saw a six-fight winning streak snapped, Maia believes it’s time to make her mark in the octagon.
“I take it one fight at a time,” Maia said. “I’ll do everything in my power to bring this victory back to Brazil and to put on a show for the fans.”
For more on UFC on ESPN+ 6, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
