Highlight of the bantamweights (up to 61,2kg.), Ketlen Scallop believes that the title is his next step in his career. In an exclusive interview with the SUPER FIGHTS no 'YouTube', the Brazilian preached respect, but adopted sincerity when demanding a title fight against her compatriot Amanda nunes.
“I have a lot of respect for Amanda nunes, for everything she's been doing in women's MMA. We have to applaud. Many people confuse the fact that (I have) a dream of being UFC champion with a form of challenge. I don't like the idea of fighting another Brazilian. There are few of us within the organization and at bantamweight. But it's my dream that's at stake. It's a dream to fight her. She is a very tough athlete and has already beaten the best,” said Ketlen.
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Ketlen, in fact, already reveals a preference for fighting in UFC 283, an event that marks the organization's return to Rio de Janeiro, for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg.). She also revealed that she deserves the contest and cites the only opportunity to 'jump the queue' against her compatriot.
“Of course, I would like to be fighting in Brazil. I haven't had the opportunity yet. It would be a great comeback event. So far, they haven't said any dates. I'm training and doing my part, regardless of the date or not. (…) we know that we deserve and we have achieved what we deserve. The only athlete that would be tolerable to pass in front of me would be Valentina (Shevchenko) because she is champion. I don't accept another athlete getting in front of me. It wouldn’t be right”
'My moment'
The native of Manaus also believes that she is ready to take a leap forward in her career. In the UFC since October 2016, she reports room for growth, says she is mature and reinforces her deserving of the belt after winning Holly holm e Miesha Tate.
“I've been working hard, very happy with what I've been achieving and it's the right time for it. We earned this right and I don't see anyone else getting ahead of me. I understand that the UFC is a company and will do what is best, but it is unquestionable that I will be the next challenger (…) I was thrown among the sharks to learn how to swim. I had to mature in there, with four wins in a row and a future challenger for the belt. But I believe that, at that moment, I needed to mature more. I suffered an injury, didn't fight for almost two years and ended up losing. But now I'm back and I believe this is my moment. I'm much more mature. My time has come, I come from two important victories – against two former champions”
Relationship with Dedé Pederneiras
The incredible scolding of coach Dedé Pederneiras in Ketlen Scallop during breaks in the fight against Holly holm had intense repercussions in the specialized press. After the 'echo' caused by the 'ear tug', the Brazilian states that she has a good relationship with her leader of 'Nova União' and reveals encouragement from the professional.
“My relationship with Dedé is very good. He's a guy for whom I have deep respect, admiration and gratitude for everything he has done for me – not only in my career, but in my personal life as well. That's how he is, he knows how to treat each athlete the way each athlete works. He knows that, sometimes, I need to be charged and that extra stimulus. People are scared because they only see it on TV, but it's like that during training too. I’m used to it and I like it this way”, concluded the fighter.
Current number two in the bantamweight rankings, Ketlen is enjoying a great moment in his career with two consecutive victories over former division champions, Miesha Tate e Holly holm. At 31 years old, the Brazilian athlete has a record in the sport of 13 triumphs and two setbacks in her career as an MMA professional.
