What happens when the rival is replaced at the last minute? Luana Dread explains the process days before UFC Vegas

L. Dread is a Brazilian bet on the UFC flyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Have you ever wondered what goes through a fighter's mind when an opponent leaves the fight just a few days before a commitment? Representative of flies (up to 56,7kg.), Luana Dread went through the 'nightmare' this week. With an opponent selected at the last minute, the Brazilian detailed the process from cancellation until the meeting of a new rival in the UFC Las Vegas 40.

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Despite the initial scare, after sijara eubanks test positive for Covid-19 and leave the event this Saturday (16), Luana Dread remains confirmed at the event. Now, the fighter faces Lupita Godinez and, in an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, detailed how he found out about the change and what happens next.

How did you find out about the cancellation?

Already in Las Vegas for the weekend's commitment, Luana detailed how she found out that Eubanks would not be able to fight at the weekend.

“I arrived here, took the tests (for Covid-19). I had just arrived from a trip and hadn't slept much. I went to rest and, in a little while, I see my teacher knocking on the door very slowly, and talking to someone. He called me and said, 'Come here. Here's the thing, the fight is over. His opponent had Covid. They (UFC) wanted to play you in November, but November was full. They got you an opponent today.' I thought: wow, that's good, otherwise I would have to go back. I had just arrived. Like it or not, it’s a camp (training period) thrown in the trash”, described the combatant.

New rival: what happens now?

As many know, when there are no unforeseen events, the training process for a specific opponent requires exclusive dedication to the rival. However, how does the team act when there is a new opponent without the time available for more rigorous training? Dread then tells how the analysis was carried out to Lupita Godinez, who performed and won last weekend.

“Last week, I didn't watch her (Godinez) fight because I was doing physical therapy. I had already watched her first fight in the UFC, live. So they confirmed the fight, we went to the room and watched the fights to see what we had to do, find out what her game was, as we were working to face someone else,” she said.

Is it possible to take advantage of any strategy?

It is worth remembering that Eubanks' departure was not the first unforeseen event for Luana's next commitment. Before, the Brazilian was scheduled to face Maryna moroz, who also ended up leaving the confrontation. Thus, Tupiniquim plays with the situation and responds about whether or not to take advantage of the strategies established in recent months.

“I trained for two styles (laughs). So, I trained for one thing, then another. She (Godinez) is an intermediary. I'm ready for her. Of course, I saw a little of her difference from the other girls. It's not just the striking part, the ground part. It’s a mix of both,” she said.

How to beat your new rival

After the moment of tension, it was time to analyze the opponent. Even with little time for the confrontation, Dread shows that he knows the type of problem he will face over the weekend.

“I have to work on my distance, because she is a smaller fighter. If I succeed, it will be a very difficult fight for her”, he said.

Fight confirmed, what would be the ideal outcome?

With the desire to put on a show UFC Las Vegas 40, Luana has a dream outcome for her fight against Godinez. The Brazilian does not hide her desire to get her first knockout with the Ultimate gloves.

“I would really like to elbow her and make her fall (laughs). It would be really good. I would like to knock him out. I've never knocked out in the UFC, but if it was a submission. I believe we can end the fight somehow. It's okay, too, to go all the way. I like to fight. The more fights we exchange and put on a good fight, that's what I want. Show my evolution”, she concluded.

Athletes' history

At 28, Luana Dread is heading towards his 10th appearance as a professional in MMA. Today, the São Paulo native has seven victories and two setbacks.

In Ultimate since April this season, Lupita Godinez will have his eighth commitment in the sport. The athlete has six triumphs and one stumble.