[autotag]Sabina Mazo[/autotag] went from fighting on one of the smallest events of 2019 to what could be the biggest event of 2020.
The Colombian fighter was scheduled for her return to action at last month’s UFC Busan, the promotion’s last event of the year, against Ji Yeon Kim, but the bout fell through due to an elbow injury sustained by Kim. Mazo was then rescheduled for the UFC’s first pay-per-view event of 2020 – UFC 246, which will go down on Jan. 18 in Las Vegas, Nev. Mazo will take on JJ Aldrich in a flyweight contest.
Although Mazo will still compete on ESPN+, the same platform she would’ve appeared on if she fought at UFC Busan, she’s now fighting on the card that will mark the return of one of the biggest figures in sports today and easily the UFC’s biggest star in Conor McGregor.
Mazo sees the recent switch of events and opponents as a blessing in disguise for her young career.
“I believe things happen for a reason so it was planned by God or destiny or whatever you want to call it, but I do feel like it was the best thing that could happen,” Mazo told MMA Junkie. “Without a doubt it’s a big event, it has a lot of exposure, and I think all that is going to help me get known and showcase my game a lot more for a lot more people.
“Without a doubt this is the best option. And if they would’ve given me the options, I would’ve chosen the card for January, but I did feel ready to fight in December. It’s not like I had any doubt or wasn’t ready or anything like that. It just happened naturally that I was given the chance to fight in this January card.”
Wide exposure is all good for Mazo, but she’s definitely not planning to let the new opportunity change anything in her approach, as the goal remains the same.
“It’s going to be good exposure for me, but I focus on fighting,” Mazo explained. “So whether it’s in South Korea or Las Vegas or wherever it is, my major focus has to be fighting, so I’m 100 percent willing to do it anywhere. But like I said, it did make me a lot happier to be have that opportunity to have my work be more visible.”
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Mazo entered the UFC on a hot run in early 2019. The Kings MMA product won the LFA flyweight title and defended it once before signing with the Las Vegas-based promotion. She also had a record of 6-0 with two viral head-kick knockout wins.
But despite the promising resume, things didn’t go well for Mazo in her UFC debut, as she lost a decision to Maryna Moroz in March. She bounced back with a dominant win in August, defeating Shana Dobson. It was a much-improved performance compared to her UFC debut.
The 22-year-old Mazo attributes the changes to her game to the first defeat and expects to look even better at UFC 246.
“The defeat made me do some changes that I needed for my game,” Mazo said. “Nobody wants to lose, but everyone wants to learn, so for me it was a huge learning experience. I feel like each time I learn more and more, even in the last fight which I won. I feel like all that is building my game as a fighter so people can expect an improved version of myself every time I fight.”
Mazo’s past two outings ended in decisions, but she thinks this time around against Aldrich, there’s a good chance she might not need the judges.
“I feel like I can end the fight at any moment,” Mazo said regarding her finishing ability. “I’m much more sharp now in my jiu-jitsu, wrestling and striking, so I know it’s not going to be easy, but I do believe I can finish the fight at any moment. I’m not overly confident, I know she has a good game, but I know I can finish the fight anywhere.”
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