Viviane Araujo has made quite the impact since entering the UFC, and she’s looking to close out the year with a bang.
Araujo takes on former UFC flyweight title challenger Jessica Eye on Saturday at UFC 245 in hopes of finishing 2019 with a perfect 3-0 record.
Having taken out the majority of her opponents, including Talita Bernardo with a thunderous right hand in her UFC debut, Araujo (8-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) is hoping to recreate a similar moment in her fight with Eye (14-7 MMA, 4-6 UFC).
“In this bout, I visualize both of us being highly aggressive,” Araujo told MMA Junkie. “Jessica Eye usually wins by decision. I prefer to have more clear wins. I usually win by submission or knockout. I believe I’ll continue that trend, and it’s what the UFC fans like to watch. I think this is also why the UFC has given me such opportunities. I’ve put on two enjoyable fights. This fight won’t be different. I’ll use my movement and my boxing. And I’m also training a lot of wrestling.”
Following her UFC debut, Araujo had a quick turnaround, picking up a unanimous decision win over former UFC bantamweight title challenger Alexis Davis in July. She draws a highly ranked opponent in Eye, where a win already could put her in the title conversation.
“I’m looking to close out the year with a golden key,” Araujo said. “This has been an excellent year for me. As far as my last fight against Alexis Davis, we knew it was going to be difficult. Alexis is very experienced in the UFC and highly ranked. We expected a war, and that’s what it was. Thankfully, I was able to score another victory. It was a clear victory. Now I’m truly looking forward to fighting on (UFC 245). The UFC usually puts extra effort into the December cards to close out the year well. I feel honored to be included.”
“My plan is to close out the year with a third victory in the UFC in 2019,” Araujo added. “That way I can face better-ranked opponents next year. I want to keep putting on fights that MMA fans enjoy. And hopefully – who knows – I can fight for the belt one day. It’s my dream.”
UFC 245 takes place Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+.
