LFA flyweight champion Shannon Clark will defend her title for the second time when she faces Beatriz Consuli in enemy territory on Nov. 7 in Brazil.
It’s uncommon for a champion to travel into the challenger’s backyard, but Clark didn’t hesitate. In fact, she admitted she didn’t even realize it was out of the ordinary.
“I actually didn’t know that, that was not normal for people to not travel to other countries as a champ. I didn’t know that,” Clark told Cageside Press.
“We were trying to find a fight for a little bit here, and they offered me this. The thing that actually killed me was well I have to be away from my kids for a week. That’s where my mind was like, I don’t know if I can do that.”
Clark (6-1) didn’t think twice about accepting a title defense in Brazil. The only surprise came afterward, when others pointed out how unusual it was for a reigning champion to head into hostile territory.
“That was the only hesitation for like that side, but fighting-wise I was like ok. It doesn’t matter where I go,” she said.
“When I said yes and they’re like, ‘are you sure?’ I was like ‘yeah, I don’t understand why you’re asking me if I’m sure.’ It’s not normal for champ. I’m an athlete. It shouldn’t matter. I just never considered that, that’s not normal.”
Clark opened up about the challenges she faced in her previous outing, admitting that her mindset simply wasn’t where it needed to be. The LFA flyweight champion said the mental toll leading up to that fight left her feeling unlike herself inside the cage.
“Last fight I was not myself. I was, but wasn’t. I did the Contenders (DWCS), I was chased. My mental side leading up to that fight was not good at all. That was probably the lowest I’ve ever been mentally,” she said.
“It showed in my fight, and that’s one thing I’ll always say is, I’m not saying she’s a better fighter than me and I’m not saying she’s worse, but she didn’t beat my better version. I will respect, and that’s something I’ll always have to eat.”
Clark explained that her fight against Cheyanne Bowers earlier this year was as much a mental test as it was a physical one. After struggling with confidence and focus in the past, she chose to keep the bout mostly private, using it as a chance to prove something to herself rather than to anyone else.
“January when I fought Chey I didn’t tell anyone I was fighting. There was maybe three or four people that actually knew. It was more just I need to prove to myself that I understand my mental side and it was more the mental game for me,” she said.
“I had to learn to be calm. The entire fight was not who I am, and I would never fight like that again where I’m just like defense it kind of felt like. There was times where we weren’t, but it wasn’t who I am.”
Looking ahead to her upcoming title defense, Clark made it clear that fans will see a very different version of her this time around. She said she’s found the balance between composure and aggression, and she doesn’t plan on holding back again.
“This fight you can expect I won’t be like that. I don’t think I have that in me. I proved to myself I know how to be patient and calm. Truthfully that almost cost me a fight,” said Clark.
Clark couldn’t help but joke when the topic of her future came up, showing the playful confidence that’s made her a fan favorite. With a laugh, she delivered a message straight to the UFC brass. One that perfectly captured her competitive edge and sense of humor.
“I’m going to pretend to be cocky here because this is what I got told to say,” Clark said laughing.
“Hey something about like, ‘Hey Dana, are you going to pick me yet?’ If not, I’m just going to keep knocking down all your contenders that you’re looking at picking up until you pick me!”
Watch the entire interview with Shannon Clark above. She defends her LFA flyweight title against Beatriz Consuli at LFA 221 on Friday night.
