LAS VEGAS – Natalia Silva’s seven-month absence from the octagon forward of UFC Battle Evening 242 has been the product of private battle.
“I had a tough second in my life,” Silva informed MMA Junkie and different reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “I misplaced my sister just lately, 4 months in the past. I’d prefer to have fought once more earlier than, however I (couldn’t).”
The loss of life of her sibling was a traumatic expertise, however Silva (17-5-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) enters combat week for Saturday’s girls’s flyweight matchup towards former UFC champ Jessica Andrade (26-12 MMA, 17-10 UFC) together with her signature smile nonetheless on her face. She is aware of the matchup, which takes place on the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+, is one that would change her profession in a big approach.
“That is my alternative,” Silva mentioned. “I can do that. Jessica is an effective identify in UFC, and I wanted to just accept this chance and present my abilities, my work. Now I’m right here to combat towards Jessica.
“I educated for 3 rounds, but when I’ve a chance to complete the combat, I’ll take it.”
Silva, No. 11 within the newest USA TODAY Sports activities/MMA Junkie girls’s flyweight rankings, is undefeated to this point in her octagon tenure. She’s picked up some notable wins towards the likes of Viviane Araujo, Andrea Lee and Jasmine Jasudavicius, however beating a former titleholder would put her resume on a special stage.
Though Silva, 27, isn’t sure a victory over Andrade will put her subsequent in line for a shot on the belt, she is aware of she’d not less than be shut. And with champion Alexa Grasso set to satisfy Valentina Shevchenko in a trilogy bout subsequent week at UFC 306, the timing for a formidable win couldn’t be significantly better.
“A victory towards Jessica will give me a brand new alternative,” Silva mentioned. “I do know I can combat for the belt and a victory towards Jessica will give me a chance for this. … Each combat that I am going into I see as a chance to combat for the title. I see a chance to indicate my abilities, present my onerous work and going into the combat with Jessica, that’s how I strategy it. However I believe this is a chance for me for a better purpose, which is to be a champion.”
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