At UFC 237, we witnessed arguably one of the greatest debuts in UFC history as usual strawweight competitor, Viviane Araujo entered the Octagon on just a few days’ notice at bantamweight and put on a masterclass. She is now turning right around to face off with an MMA veteran in Alexis Davis at UFC 240.
May 11 marked the UFC’s big pay-per-view return to the great nation of Brazil as they touched down in Rio De Janeiro. And the action got kicked off in incredibly impressive fashion.
The very first bout of the night took place at 135-pounds as BJJ specialist Talita Bernardo looked to get her second career win inside the Octagon. Originally supposed to be taking on Jessica-Rose Clark, an injury would force Bernardo’s Aussie opponent out of the bout a few weeks prior.
Stepping in for Clark would be a newcomer in Brazil’s Melissa Gatto. Unfortunately, Gatto would also be forced out of the bout with Bernardo, but this time, much closer to fight night. Thus giving Viviane Araujo (7-1) the opportunity of a lifetime.
Capitalizing on her chance in full force, Araujo would flawlessly pick apart Bernardo en route to a stunning third-round knockout. No weight cut, no problem.
Now looking to keep that momentum going, Combate has confirmed that rather than returning to strawweight like she was expected to, Araujo will instead go down just one weight class to the 125-pound flyweight division. Welcoming her will be the seasoned seventh-ranked flyweight contender and former bantamweight title challenger, Alexis Davis (19-9). The pair will meet UFC 240 on July 27 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
A win will be crucial here for the 34-year old Canadian in Davis as she currently rides a two-fight losing streak that’s seen her on the wrong end of unanimous decisions to Katlyn Chookagian and former Invicta FC champion, Jennifer Maia.
UFC 240 is still shaping up, but the card as it currently stands can be seen below.
- Featherweight – (C) Max Holloway vs Frankie Edgar
- Welterweight – Erik Koch vs. Kyle Stewart
- Flyweight – Gillian Robertson vs. Sarah Frota
- Flyweight: Lauren Murphy vs. Mara Romero Borella
- Flyweight: Viviane Araújo vs. Alexis Davis
