L. Souza after UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Pointed out as one of the biggest Brazilian promises in women's strawweight (up to 52,1kg), Livinha Souza returns to the octagon to face Amanda lemos, in a fight that takes place this Saturday (6), at UFC 259. In an exclusive interview with SUPER FIGHTS, the São Paulo native states that she expects a 'war' against her compatriot.
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“I think it will be 15 minutes of war, striking and heart. It will be very beautiful to see and the winner is Brazil. They are two great athletes from our country. I respect her a lot as an athlete, person and family mother. We have the same goal”, stated Livinha.
The Brazilian believes she can get close to the top 10 in the division with the triumph on Saturday (6). To this end, she reveals that she thinks about taking 'one step at a time', towards the belt.
“Always winning in the UFC is another step forward. I believe that, with the victory, I will definitely move up a few points in the ranking and I will start to get into the top 10 of the division. (…), I think about taking it one step at a time. I'm 100% focused on this fight and I'm going to plan. After it passes, I see what will happen in the future. But for now, I’m just thinking about the fight”, explained the fighter.
Difficulties in the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic situation directly affected the preparation of MMA athletes. Livinha prepared in Campinas, São Paulo, and despite the difficulties with lockdown, spoke about the training period.
“The camping was very well done and careful, especially due to COVID-19. In my city, it's horrible. We even went into lockdown and cannot leave without justification. Before coming to the fight, I made a huge purchase for the family, as I was afraid they would even go hungry. But (in the end) everything worked out. It was all done excellently and intelligently,” she said.
Training at 'Thai Fight Campinas'
After ten years training at Team Máximo, in Araraquara, Livinha Souza He changed his gym to 'Thai Fight', in Campinas. The fighter is now trained by Leonardo Souza and highlights the professionalism of her new 'home'.
“Leonardo Souza is a guy who has been training since he was a child and knows what it’s like to be a competitor. He understands the pain and limitations of the body, as well as being very intelligent and knowing everything about Muay Thai. Now I have several professionals with me in the new generation of Thai Fight. Professionalism reigns!”, he praised.
Meeting with Jan Blachowicz
In preparation for combat against Amanda lemos, the São Paulo native trained at the Ultimate 'Performance Institute' in Las Vegas. With that, Livinha met the light heavyweight champion (83,9kg.), Jan Blachowicz, which defends the belt against Israel adesanya on the card. The moment was recorded by the Brazilian and published on her Instagram profile. For SUPER FIGHTS, she talked about her experience with the Pole.
“I just greeted him and congratulated him on all his achievements. The guy is different, with a crazy animal nose and war scars (laughs). This guy is tough. Just looking at him you can tell he’s tough,” she said.
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Message to Brazilians
Livinha Souza also sent a message to Brazilian fans. She asks MMA lovers in Brazil to do some self-reflection before criticizing Ultimate fighters.
“Heart at the forefront of the fight, giving life and going for it. My message is for them (fans) to evaluate better when criticizing Brazilian athletes. We are human beings, we make mistakes and we get things right. Mainly, do a self-evaluation and see if you can criticize a person who reached this level of competition with the conditions that Brazil gives us”, he concluded.
Former Invicta FC champion, Livinha has a record of 14 wins and two losses in her career. Currently, she is triumphant against Ashley yoder, UFC 252. In the organization, there are three positive results and one negative.
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