LAS VEGAS – Natalia Silva wants to prove she belongs among the elite in the women’s flyweight division, and beating Viviane Araujo at UFC Fight Night 235 will go a long way toward that goal.
Silva (16-5-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) has exploded onto the scene since her June 2022 octagon debut. She’s reeled off four straight wins, including two impressive TKO finishes. Now she gets a big test in a matchup with fellow Brazilian Araujo (12-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) on Saturday at the UFC Apex (ESPN+), and she intends to show more of what she’s capable of.
“I am so happy for this – I have been working my whole life for this,” Silva told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 235 media day. “I am living a dream and I am here to be the champion. I am working to achieve this.
“She’s a strong fighter. She has great grappling and is an experienced girl. It is a hard challenge for me, but I am working, I am training a lot to give my best.”
Silva, 26, an honorable mention in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie strawweight rankings, will have the chance to elevate her stock against No. 13-ranked Araujo. She knows there’s still work to be done to reach the top, but she already thinks her skillset is at a championship level.
“(I don’t know) if UFC thinks I am right (for a title shot) – because I am in my mind,” Silva said. “I think I am really ready because I am working a lot for this. I am here to be the champion and you guys can believe in that.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 235.
