LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Viviane Araujo[/autotag] is realistic about her place in the women’s flyweight title picture ahead of her first octagon headliner at UFC Fight Night 212.
Araujo (11-3 MMA, 5-2 UFC) meets Alexa Grasso (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) in a five-round bout at the UFC Apex, which streams on ESPN+. It’s a key bout for the division, and one that will put the winner in the conversation for a future showdown with longtime champion [autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag].
Brazil’s Araujo said it won’t place her at the front of the queue, though. She knows there are other names with stronger resumes gunning for a title shot, so she goes into UFC Fight Night 212 with the belief another win will be needed to secure the opportunity.
“I’m pretty sure that whoever wins this fight is going to be in a really good position and really good spot to be in the top of the division,” Araujo told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter at UFC Fight Night 212 media day. “But to be honest, I see other opponents in a better spot, better situation than me. Like Taila Santos, Lauren Murphy, Jessica Andrade and Katlyn Chookagian. Maybe a rematch with her. So yeah, I don’t think my next fight will be a title shot.”
Araujo, 35, and Grasso, 29, were originally scheduled to fight in August. However, Araujo was forced to withdraw due to injury. She doesn’t love the fact she hasn’t fought since May, but Araujo admits the additional time between fights was beneficial for this moment.
“I am my best version right now,” Araujo said. “I’m happy, motivated and I’m sure I’m going to be able to perform. I want to perform very well and my victory is going to be exceptional.”
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With all that time came more opportunity for Araujo to scout and prepare for Grasso’s game. The Mexican has a slick boxing-oriented offense, and is unbeaten in three fights since moving up from the strawweight division.
Araujo will openly admit it’s her intention to neutralize Grasso’s striking by taking the fight to the mat, and it’s there she thinks openings will arise to secure a stoppage win.
“We did study her a lot,” Araujo said. “I know her boxing is very good and she moves pretty well. But I’m ready. I’ve been training a lot of boxing and wrestling as well. My wrestling is sharp and I’m ready to take her down and keep her on the ground.
“I’m ready to fight five rounds for sure. I’m going to have to be patient. I know how dangerous she is, but I want to finish this fight in the second round.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 212.
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