K. Rosa is a promising UFC bantamweight fighter. Photo: Reproduction/InstagramBet
A meeting between Brazilian generations will mark the preliminary card of the UFC Las Vegas 38. This Saturday, the promising Karol Rosa faces the former challenger for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.), Beth Pitbull, in the duel that should seal the veteran’s retirement. Before the challenge, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS about respect for her opponent, expectations for the fight and revealed her dream of challenging a former champion.
Considered a great from Paraná Vale Tudo (PRVT), Rosa has charted a successful trajectory within Ultimate. So far, the fighter is undefeated in the company, with three commitments played.
Bethe Pitbull: challenge accepted
Current number 15 in the category led by Amanda nunes, Rosa surprised by accepting a challenge against an athlete who does not appear in the category's ranking. Even with her eyes on the top of the division, the Brazilian explained why she agreed to face the former challenger for the category belt.
“I’m not one to pick a fight. With Bethe, I was surprised, but I imagined that one day we could fight. When I found out, I was happy, because I respect her a lot. He's already fought for a belt, fought against the best. For me, it's very good, to show that I've improved and, for my career, for visibility. I didn’t think twice,” said the combatant.
Business aside
This weekend, Karol will be responsible for taking part in the fight that will seal Bethe's farewell to MMA. The combatant spoke about the double sensation of being the athlete who could ruin the veteran's party.
“It’s bad and good. Beating Bethe will be very good for my career, but it's bad for her to end her career like this. Of course I'm going to win. It's in my moment. Hers is over. I'm sure our fight will catch fire, because she likes to move forward and so do I. This last fight of hers will be worth it, because it will be very exciting”, she guaranteed.
Rival analysis
Without wanting to give chance to chance, Rosa knows that she will face an opponent who, despite not being at her best, is dangerous. Tupiniquim, thus, described part of the strategy it can put into play to overcome any adversity that may appear in the dispute.
“I can't close (the distance) against her. She has heavy hands, can take a lot of beatings, and has good boxing. You can't get too close to her. The game anyone would play is to keep your distance, keep jabbing, or take him down. Her floor isn't very good. I like to feel the fight. If I see that I'm doing well standing up, I'll continue. If I’m late, I’ll put it down,” she said.
Dream opponent
If you surpass Bethe in the UFC Las Vegas 38, Rosa will have the opportunity to challenge an opponent in a prominent position in the division. Excited about the possibility, the Brazilian revealed her dream of facing a reference in the sport: Miesha Tate.
“There is one person, but he has a fight scheduled, but who knows. One of my inspirations to fight MMA was Miesha Tate. I already thought: ‘I want to be like this woman’. I became a big fan of hers. I joined MMA, she retired and, when I found out she came back, I thought: 'I need to fight with Miesha Tate’. She was an inspiration to me. Being able to fight with her would be really good, not only for my career, but to remember when I was a child, that I saw her and wanted to be her. I can be better than her,” she said.
Optimal outcome
Although he showed respect for Bethe, Karol knows that a big victory over a renowned athlete can boost her in the category. Thus, the Tupiniquim narrated what her dream triumph would be like in this weekend's show.
“I want the knockout. I always lay my head on the pillow and think: ‘I really want to win the knockout’. And, everyone wants a bonus, right (laughs)? Imagine if I win the fight with a knockout and a bonus?”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 26, Karol Rosa is heading towards his 18th professional fight in MMA. The athlete currently has 14 wins and four losses in her career.
Challenger for the bantamweight belt in 2015, Beth Pitbull will end his career this weekend. Against her compatriot, the fighter will seek her 12th triumph in 17 engagements.
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