Veteran Brazilians Jennifer Maia and Viviane Araújo clash in the UFC Fight Night 230 co-main event this Saturday. Jennifer Maia, a former Invicta Flyweight champion and UFC Flyweight championship contender, has become a gatekeeper for rising Flyweights to first get past before gaining contender status. This time, it’s the turn of number eleven-ranked Flyweight Viviane Araújo, a former Pancrase Strawweight champion, to get past her compatriot. UFC Fight Night 230 will be held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on October 14. Maia is the bookies’ favorite.
MMA: UFC Women’s Flyweight
Venue: UFC Apex, Las Vegas
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 15.10.2023. 04.00
Jennifer Maia
Jennifer Maia debuted in the UFC with a tough bout against current Flyweight champion Liz Carmouche in 2018. The former Invite FC Flyweight champion, who had vacated her title to join the elite promotion, lost to Carmouche by decision. Two years later, Maia fought for the Flyweight championship and lost against Valentina Shevchenko. With a record of 6-5 in the UFC, the 35-year-old has never been finished in the promotion. Her losses have been against fighters in the top five rankings. She comes into this matchup following consecutive wins over much younger opponents.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 35
- Height: 5’ 4”
- Weight: 125 Ib
- Reach: 64”
- Record: 21-9-1 (draw)
I’m happy with this fight. She is a hard opponent, but I think I’m better. I’m excited for this fight because if I win, I want to fight against the top five. I’m prepared to fight with the champion soon.
Viviane Araújo
The 36-year-old comes into the matchup having lost her last two fights. On both occasions, Viviane Araújo had lost to fighters above her in the rankings. Now in the top fifteen following her 2019 promotional debut, the Brazilian, who uses her platform to speak out against domestic violence, is 1-3 in her last four fights. A win for the one-time Strawweight Queen of Pancrase will propel her into the top ten.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 36
- Height: 5’ 5”
- Weight: 125 Ib
- Reach: 68”
- Record: 11-5
Betting Odds
Jennifer Maia is a 1.553 favorite on 1XBET, with Viviane Araújo the 2.42 underdog. Maia by decision is 1.952 odds on Betwinner, while a decision win by the underdog is priced at 2.625 odds. A double chance on submission or decision for Viviane Araújo is 2.35 on Bet365, while under 2.5 is 4.10 odds on Bet365.
