Jennifer Maia has faced big names to get where she is today in MMA
The Scrap recently had the opportunity to chat with UFC flyweight Jennifer Maia (17-6-1 MMA).
Maia was scheduled to fight Viviane Araujo (8-2 MMA) on June 27; however, the bout was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking from her home in Brazil, the 31-year-old discussed her training during the pandemic. “I am lucky that my coach is my husband and I have space in my house, so I am keeping technical and physical training at home as much as possible”. When questioned about the current conditions in her home country, Maia shared, “There are cities that are experiencing difficulties.” In her city, the situation is more controlled, however, she is “maintaining all isolation care until we can get back to normal.”
The UFC flyweight last fought in November 2019 at UFC 244 where she lost to Katlyn Chookagian (13-3 MMA) by unanimous decision. The Brazilian began her MMA career in 2009 and by 2013 she was fighting under the Invicta FC banner in Kansas. She became the interim Invicta Flyweight Champ in March 2016 at Invicta FC 16, beating Vanessa Porto via unanimous decision. Maia successfully defended the title twice, beating Roxanne Modafferi and Agnieszka Niedźwiedź. She made her UFC debut in 2018 at UFC Idaho and is currently ranked at No. 6 in the 125-pound division.
The Chute Boxe Academy fighter admitted she has overcome struggles to get where she is in her career today. “I faced big names in MMA, Roxanne Modafferi, Vanessa Porto, Liz Carmouche, Alexis Davis … among others. Each fight was a great achievement for me to get here”.
Now at 17-6 overall and 2-2 in the UFC, Maia hopes the fight with Araujo is rescheduled. Once things resume, look for the Brazilian to do all she can to get back in the win column.
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