LAS VEGAS – UFC strawweight [autotag]Polyana Viana[/autotag] hopes to experience a repeat of her last fight.
Competing for the first time in 15 months, Viana meets fellow Brazilian Tabitha Ricci on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 206 from the UFC Apex. Last time out, Viana earned a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus after a first-round submission of Mallory Martin at UFC 258.
Viana (12-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC) is looking to earn another $50,000 on Saturday, but she only teased how she would do it.
“In a very funny way,” Viana said through an interpreter at UFC Fight Night 206 media day. “It’s a surprise.”
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Whatever that means, a victory would continue an upward trajectory for the 29-year-old Viana, who got off to a rocky 1-3 start in the UFC. In snapping a three-fight skid, Viana has won back-to-back fights heading into Saturday.
She’s not sure how the fight with Ricci (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) will play out, but she knows what she wants.
“I think it might go to the ground because we’re both from jiu-jitsu, but it might be a standup fight for exactly that reason,” Viana said. “… I’d rather it ends in the first round.”
With her arm raised, of course. And an extra $50,000 would be nice.