LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Polyana Viana[/autotag] loves to cosplay different anime characters, but the UFC rejected her walking out in one.
Viana (13-5 MMA, 4-4 UFC) takes on Iasmin Lucindo (14-5 MMA, 1-1 UFC) on Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 51 main card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The card airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
The rising Brazilian strawweight has posted numerous images of her in anime outfits on Instagram, but won’t get to walk out in one.
“I’ve tried so many times, and I’ve actually asked to come in with a bandana,” Viana told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at Thursday’s media day. “They’ve never allowed it. I wanted a cape. I’ve tried with like a blank bandana – I can’t. Apparently Naruto is a brand that does not allow it or something like that. I’ve tried so many times. I’ve asked. They never let me do it, but if I could, I definitely would.”
Viana recently made the move to Chute Boxe Diego Lima – home of former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. It’s a move that has made a big difference, and given her the confidence to make a title run.
“I used to say that I only wanted the money, and I said I wasn’t ready to go after a belt – and I do feel that I am right now,” Viana said. “It’s a completely different game. I feel that I’ve improved so much.
“I think I’ve improved standing up, I’ve improved on the ground, I’ve improved against the fence. I didn’t even want to face ranked opponents (before, but) I want to face a ranked opponent (now). I feel that I’m ready to face top 10, top five, even the top one. I’ve improved a lot. It’s been great.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 51.