A. Sorriso is heading towards his second fight in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Back in the octagon after more than a year and a half away, Ariane Sorriso is ready for your next challenge. Opponent of Na Liang this Saturday (24), at UF 261, which takes place in Jacksonville (USA), the Brazilian spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about expectations for the confrontation. Known for her strength in her fists, the athlete promised to overwhelm the Chinese, in a fight that takes place at strawweight (up to 52,1kg).
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This weekend's clash will mark Ariane's second appearance with UFC gloves. The Brazilian, who ended up defeated in her debut in 2019, wants to leave her mark on one of the biggest events of 2021.
Return to the octagon
Without fighting from the setback to Angela Hill, Sorriso ended up suffering from injuries last season. Now, the fighter guarantees that she is ready for a great performance and has ruled out a new atmosphere for her debut.
“It’s not the same feeling. The debut is a little complicated, we are a little more nervous. This time, I feel more prepared. That anxiety is gone. I stopped this time to treat an injury and took the opportunity to improve my game on the feet and on the ground. I feel more ready than for any other fight”, said the athlete.
'Post-Hill' evolution
Considered a Brazilian promise for the division led by Weili Zhang, Ariane also talked about what changed in her game after losing to Irene Adana. According to the São Paulo native, the negative result ended up being influenced by the pressure of the moment, but the fighter guarantees that the stumble is in the past.
“On my debut, I was very nervous. I was always looking for exchanges with Angela Hill. Really, she is a very tough athlete, but I feel more prepared. I'm going to come back much more aggressive. I will try to hit in every way, so as not to give any gaps”, said the Brazilian.
Na Liang Review
On Saturday, Sorriso will be responsible for 'welcoming' her opponent to Ultimate. However, anyone who thinks that the São Paulo native will give a teaspoon to Na Liang. Tupiniquim then analyzed its rival's game, proposing the areas in which it could have an advantage over the Chinese.
“Every fighter, when their first (UFC fight) arrives, is nervous. So, it will be an advantage for me. She (Liang) isn't much of a striker, she really tries to play on the ground. We worked to hit her on top. If, if it happens to fall to the ground, we will hit it on the ground. I'll definitely look for striking. That's what I always look for. We did the right strategy of hitting her in any way we could, to end the fight quickly,” said the São Paulo native.
UFC 261: the public returns
In addition to returning to the octagon after more than a year, Ariane has plenty of reasons to smile. The athlete will be part of one of the company's biggest shows of the year. In addition, the show will mark the return of the public to the arenas. Thus, the Brazilian spoke with anticipation about the opportunity to reconnect with the fans, who had not participated in a UFC event since the beginning of 2020.
“I like it when there is an audience. When I was without it, I even said to my coaches: 'it must be boring' (laughs). Like it or not, the crowd cheers. Shout, cheer. So, being with the fans there, together with you, made me very happy. (…) I almost screamed with happiness (when I found out about participating in the UFC 261). In addition to being happy with my return, being in a UFC like this is certainly one of our dreams for us”, celebrated the fighter.
How many fights in 2021?
If he emerges from the clash against Liang without injuries, Sorriso makes no secret of the fact that he intends to make up for lost time. The fighter then revealed the attendance plan for the season. As far as the athlete depends, rest is not a possibility.
“I want to fight as much as possible. If we can fight four, five times, we'll fight (laughs). Let’s make the most of lost time”, confirmed Tupiniquim.
Dream ending
With eight knockouts in her professional MMA career, Ariane doesn't want to stray from her characteristics when the question is the 'ideal ending'. According to the São Paulo native, the plan will be to stage an imposing outcome over the Chinese.
“I'm going for the knockout. I’ll try to get it in the first, at most in the second round”, admitted the combatant.
Athletes' history
At 28 years old, Sorriso is heading towards his 15th fight in MMA. In the sport since 2014, the São Paulo native currently has 12 victories and two negative results.
Coming to Ultimate this Saturday, Na Liang wants to extend its undefeated streak against the Brazilian. With four victories in a row, the 24-year-old Chinese has not lost since 2018. In total, the athlete has 13 triumphs and four setbacks.
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