J. Maia (photo) will have the challenge of defeating V. Shevchenko in the UFC 255, for the flyweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Close to the most important fight of his career, Jennifer maia is one step away from making history in MMA. This Saturday (21), in Las Vegas (USA), at UFC 255, the Curitiba native will exchange forces against the dangerous Valentina Shevchenko in the fight for the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg.) and will try to silence the critics, beating the current champion, favorite in the bookmakers. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the Brazilian spoke about expectations for the confrontation and analyzed his situation with that of Rocky Balboa, an iconic movie character.
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Considered an 'underdog' against one of the biggest names in the recent history of women's MMA, Maia understands that she will be in the spotlight around the world in the co-main fight. Against a high-level opponent, the Brazilian knows that a positive result will place her in a prominent position in the sport, in addition to taking the title.
Early career
A professional in mixed martial arts since 2009, Jennifer's story is intertwined with that of many athletes who dream of one day putting on Ultimate gloves. Faced with the biggest challenge of her career to date, the Brazilian spoke about how she started in the sport and what motivated her to join MMA.
“I started training muay thai when I was 15, I identified with the sport and started doing several muay thai and boxing fights. There came a time when the sport in evidence was MMA. I had been fighting for about two years, so about four years of training. We thought that with Muay Thai alone, maybe I wouldn’t be as recognized a fighter as I am now”, said the fighter.
Preparation for UFC 255
Coming from victory over Joanne calderwood, Jennifer got her passport stamped to face Valentina after a real show in her last appearance, in August, when she submitted her opponent in the first round. Shortly after the triumph, the president of Ultimate, Dana White, said that the Curitiba native would be the current champion's next opponent. From then on, almost without rest, the Curitiba native began preparation.
“It was just a week of light training. I don't stay completely without training, but a little week to rest my head and body and I've already fixed it. As it was a good, quick fight (against Calderwood), where I didn't get hurt, it was great to build on the camp (training period) that I had already done. So, it was very positive”, he revealed.
Weight cutting
One of the concerns for everyone competing for a belt in the biggest organizations in the world is the weight cut, as the athletes involved do not enjoy the pound (454g.) tolerance of other fights. Maia, then, for the match to be valid for the title, like her opponent, must reach the limit of 56,7kg. The Brazilian, who failed on two consecutive occasions in the UFC (2019), reassured fans about the process and assured that dehydration is proceeding as planned.
“Everything is under control, very similar to last time, where I successfully made weight. We changed several strategies to reach a lower weight. Throughout my training camp, I trained at the lowest weight and arrived here (in Las Vegas) at the lowest weight, to follow the natural weight loss process. Not to suffer too much and not run the risk of failing”, said the Brazilian.
Fight without an audience
Facing the biggest moment in her career in Ultimate, Jennifer will experience the episode in an atypical setting, without the presence of the inflamed public that usually fills the arenas. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, events are restricted only to athletes, coaches, agents, press and those responsible for the show to take place. When asked whether the lack of support hurts or helps, the combatant didn't shy away from the answer.
“For me, it doesn’t interfere. The focus is the same. I act as things are happening. If there's an audience, it's great. I would be very happy if there was an audience at a special moment like this. But due to everything that's going on at the moment, it's without an audience. So, let's go. The important thing is to be able to fight, taking all precautions. I'm already very happy about that. It doesn't interfere much, because I stay very focused on the fight and leave it to receive the heat from the fans later”, he revealed.
From cinema to reality
At a disadvantage in the betting shops, Maia is included in a script that resembles that of Rocky Balboa, a character played by Sylvester Stallone in the cinema. Discredited by many, the Brazilian will face the great champion and could shock the world in the event of a great performance. The Brazilian then commented on the situation and pointed out the analogy with the story of the film.
“We watch these motivational films a lot and Rocky is certainly an example. It’s a lot of what I’m experiencing at the moment”, said the Curitiba native.
Who does Jennifer fight for?
Many people enter a certain sport to seek to overcome themselves and prove something, whether to themselves or to individuals who doubted their abilities. This Saturday, in addition to representing millions of Brazilians who are passionate about MMA, the athlete revealed who she will step into the octagon against Valentina for.
“Firstly, for me. A personal achievement of believing in myself, overcoming myself, not wanting to be better than anyone, just myself. Also for my family and friends, who support and believe in me. Regardless of the result, they are always with me.
Dream ending
Thinking of MMA as an inexact science, in which you cannot predict a result, Jennifer knows that it is impossible to predict the end of the duel against Shevchenko. The fighter, however, spoke about her dream outcome, if a result decided by the judges were disregarded.
“As my last fight was a submission, it’s been a while since I had a knockout. It would be a dream to knock her out”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
Currently 32 years old, Jennifer, who is a former Invicta FC champion, will be fighting her 26th fight as a professional in MMA. The Brazilian currently has 18 wins, four defeats and one draw.
Flyweight champion since December 2018, Shevchenko, also 32, has 19 triumphs and three setbacks in the sport. The Kyrgyzstani is going for her fourth title defense.
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