The #7-ranked UFC women’s flyweight, Viviane Araujo looks to build on a win over Jennifer Maia when she faces Natalia Silva at UFC Vegas 85 this weekend.
That win saw Araujo (12-5) bounce back from a pair of losses that have aged rather well, given they came against Amanda Ribas and current flyweight champ Alexa Grasso.
Brazil’s Araujo addressed that while speaking during Wednesday’s UFC Vegas 85 media day.
“First of all I’m very happy with the result against a tough athlete in Jennifer Maia. And very happy, the fact that everything we planned, we set out to do, we were able to implement in the fight. So we continue with that mentality, myself and my team, just to put into practice everything we’ve trained for. So that’s what we want to do.”
Araujo also spoke on the level of competition she’s been facing since first arriving in the UFC back in 2019.
“I’ve only got some tough cookies out there, no cupcakes,” Araujo stated. “And when I saw the name [Natalia Silva], I know it’s an athlete that’s coming off a victory, it’s tough, and it makes the fight more interesting. So we can put on a show on Saturday.”‘
Having squared off with the likes of Grasso, Ribas, plus title challengers in Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Eye, Viviane Araujo feels her experience will make her a formidable test for fellow Brazilian Silva.
“I was forced into this gauntlet of athletes. So I’ve gotten better, I’ve gotten better every time with the level of competition,” said Araujo. “I’ve been facing the top fighters for quite some time, which makes me a very tough challenge for Natalia that she’s going to face, so there’s going to be a bump along the way.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 85 media day appearance by Viviane Araujo above.
