L. Pinheiro is one of the Brazilian representatives at UFC Vegas 43. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
This Saturday (20), strawweight (up to 52,1kg.) Luana pinheiro makes his second appearance in the Ultimate Octagon, when he faces Sam Hughes on the preliminary card of UFC Las Vegas 42. Known for her high level in judo, the Brazilian caught the attention of MMA fans in her debut due to her performance and was even compared to the former champion Ronda Rousey by style.
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In an exclusive interview to SUPER FIGHTS, Luana admitted that she is aware of the comparisons with the former fighter and tried to value her for her achievements in the octagon, but revealed that she wants to make her own legacy in the organization.
“I love Ronda. I started MMA because of her and I was impressed with everything she did. I thought: 'If she can get takedowns against these MMA girls, so can I'. So for me, it's an honor to be compared to her. But I think Ronda built her legacy – and she will forever go down in history as the first woman to fight in the UFC. I will never think if I will be better than her. I am the Luana pinheiro and I will build my legacy, make my history”, stated Pinheiro.
In order to fight at UFC Vegas 43, the Brazilian had her opponent changed once. Originally, your opponent would be ranked Jessica Penne, who ended up getting injured. Therefore, Sam Hughes took responsibility about ten days in advance. Asked about the fighters' adaptation to the duel, Luana stated that she always prepares to face the 'best version' of her rival.
“Penne has striking skills, but it’s not that effective. Sam has some submissions, but she likes striking. I always train to fight the best version of my opponent, so I'm always training everything. I start to imagine the fight and I start to get excited”, added the judoka.
'Happy Birthday to You'
During the week of the fight, the woman from Paraíba has been dealing with an unprecedented situation in her career in mixed martial arts. The reason is that the athlete turned 29 this Tuesday (18) and stated that, in fact, she wants the victory as a 'birthday present.
“No (it will be possible to celebrate). Thursday is the day I'm still cutting weight (laughs). I'm just going to thank you for the congratulations and it's another day of work. I will weigh in on Friday, Saturday I will fight and, after I fight, it will be a double celebration – with the victory and the birthday”, revealed the Brazilian
Evolution since its debut
Discovered by the UFC on 'Contender Series' – a reality show in which Dana White reveals new talents for his organization, Pinheiro debuted in front of Randa markos in May this year and had her victory confirmed after her opponent was disqualified for an illegal kick.
“I always focus on my daily evolution. MMA evolves every day and, if I stand still, I will be overtaken. I always try to add new weapons, improve what I have and evolve in all areas. I want to be evolving,” she concluded.
At 29, Luana pinheiro He has a record of nine wins – including five submissions – and just one defeat in his career. In the preliminary card of the event, she faces Sam Hughes, who has yet to win in Ultimate in two fights. At the same age, the North American arrives at the fight with a record of five positive results and three negative results.
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