New Orleans — Carli Judice still has all of seven pro fights to her name, but as of this past Saturday’s UFC 318, she’s 2-1 in the UFC.
Perhaps even more remarkably given her lack of experience in MMA, Judice (5-2) has a 100% bonus-winning rate across her three UFC fights. After a Fight of the Night in her debut, a loss to Gabriella Fernandes, Judice has earned two consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses, for a head kick finish of Yuneisy Duben, and now a knee strike stoppage of Nicolle Caliari.
“I think my career is going just how it’s supposed to be, just how it was destined to be,” she stated during her UFC 318 post-fight media session, asked about her progress in comparison to her relative lack of experience. “I came off of two losses after having all wins and mostly knockouts, so I felt unstoppable as an amateur and an early pro.”
“Then I got stopped, and I realized all the holes that I had to fix, and I’m still fixing them but I think it’s coming along nicely so I’m going to fix all the holes that I have. Find holes, fix them, and hopefully be in the rankings one day,” she continued, adding “but I’m not rushing it, I’m taking my time. I know I have a long career, so I’m going to do whatever it takes to get to where I want to be.”
What’s next? Another fight, against whoever is willing. “I’d like to fight again this year, but no one specific,” stated Judice. “Whatever opportunities come next, I’m going to be ready for.”
Fighting at home in Louisiana, “I cherished every moment of it, and I’m glad I executed the way I did,” she later celebrated. And to celebrate? Donuts. “Glazed probably, I like glazed donuts. Keep it simple. Make sure it’s warm though.”
Watch the full UFC 318 post-fight press conference with Carli Judice above.
