Confident, Lara Procópio highlights progress and says she wants to knock out her rival at UFC Las Vegas 29

L. Procópio faces C. O'Neill in the UFC Las Vegas 29. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

First Tupiniquim representative on the preliminary card of the UFC Las Vegas Next Saturday 29th (19), Lara Procópio wants to put on a show. In exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, the Brazilian stated that she intends to show her evolution on her feet and has 'blood in her eyes' to take away her invincibility Casey O'Neill in MMA.

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With two fights – one win and one loss – in Ultimate, Lara still doesn't know what it's like to end up on the fast track. In her first fight at the event, she suffered a setback against Karol Rosa in an even fight, but recovered by winning Molly McCann, in February this year. Both duels were decided by the judges' decision, but the Brazilian does not want to repeat the feat. She guarantees that she will do everything she can to decide beforehand and reveals her desire to knock him out.

“I’m going to do everything I can to finish it sooner. I believe it will be a knockout. As much as I'm looking for submissions, I feel like in this fight my hand is going to get in her face. I feel like it won't go to the judges. (Fans) can expect a more aggressive athlete. I feel very technical, but sometimes I just need that blood in my eye to 'stick it in'. And, this time, I really want to 'stick it out'. So, you can expect a more complete and more aggressive Lara”, stated Lara.

Confident in his potential, Procópio also spoke about his playing style. Casey O'Neill. The Brazilian admits that her opponent is complete, but says that the Australian has never faced an opponent of the same level as her and wants to prove that in the duel.

“From what I studied her, she comes from striking. Still, it is complete. Knows how to handle himself in all areas. In the same way, I also feel very prepared in all areas. I feel comfortable on the floor and standing. This is going to be very good. I've faced Karol (Rosa) and Molly (McCann) and they were tough opponents, but I had even fights. And I don't see that the opponents Casey fought were that tough. I believe she hasn’t faced an opponent at my level yet”, added Procópio.

PRESSURE? WHAT NOTHING…

On the eve of the fight, Lara Procópio is enjoying every moment. The flyweight (up to 56,7kg.) reveals that she is feeling at home and highlights that the weight of having already won in the Ultimate makes the preparation even lighter.

“It (the weight of winning) completely fell away. As much as it was a debut, it was a defeat. Even more so since I lost my invincibility. And when I fought Molly in the last fight, I had this heavy load. I managed to work on my mental health for the fights and I'm coming in more motivated. I've already tasted victory, I'm feeling at home. So, I’m calm about that,” she said.

FINAL STRAIGHT OF PREPARATION

The Minas Gerais motto, until now, is to be well and motivated to fight in the UFC. Unlike her debut, she says she is enjoying every moment and every energy in the final stretch of her preparation for Saturday's fight.

“I have a nice adrenaline rush. Motivated and happy. Mainly now, taking photos and signing the (publicity) banners. I'm feeling at home. It seems like yesterday that I fought (for the last time). Fighting twice in a short time is not that easy. But I’m very motivated for this fight”, she concluded.

ATHLETE HISTORY

Considered one of the great promises of the UFC flyweights, Lara Procópio, 25 years old, has a record of seven wins and one defeat in her career. Athlete from 'Nova União', the Minas Gerais native defeated Molly McCann in the unanimous decision of the judges in its last presentation, which took place in February this year.

At 23, Casey O'Neill He still doesn’t know what it’s like to lose in MMA. In total, there are six victories – three by decision, two knockouts and one by submission. In her Ultimate debut, the Australian knocked out Shana Dobson in the second round, on the same card as her opponent.

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