UFC News: Undefeated fighter ready to change weight class to face Amanda Nunes
Amanda Nunes has cemented her legacy as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time. The UFC double champion is still in her prime and seems unlikely to be stopped anytime soon.
There are, however, many talented prospects in the women's Bantamweight and Flyweight divisions who are aching to take The Lioness down.
Ketlen Vieira, who has a spotless 10-0 record and is currently ranked #2 in the Women's Bantamweight division, will take on Irene Aldana at UFC 245 later this month.
The 28-year-old Brazilian opened up on the possibility of fighting Nunes while interacting with the media in Rio de Janeiro.
The undefeated Bantamweight declared that she wouldn't have a problem moving up to the Featherweight division to fight Nunes.
“I’d shake hands with her and say let’s do it. We’re both big athletes and I can fight at 135 or 145, which would be even easier since we wouldn’t suffer too much (cutting weight), but I leave that decision with my team. It’s up to ‘Dede’ (Andre Pederneiras). I’m confident in whatever he says.”
Nunes will defend the Bantamweight title against Germaine de Randamie on the same night at UFC 245 and Vieira understands that she would automatically be next in line for a title shot. While Vieira has Nunes at the back of her mind, her focus at the moment is solely on getting past the dangerous Aldana, who has just lost once in her last five fights.
“I’m No. 2 in the rankings and Amanda will fight the No. 1 on the same night. I don’t see anyone else after I win this fight. I’ll automatically become the No. 1. Of course, every fighter wants to become champion, it’s my dream, but I’m focused on Irene Aldana now.
"To me, Irene Aldana is the one who has the belt right now. I can’t bite off more then I can chew. She’s on a roll, it’s her fourth fight this year, so it’s definitely a test for me. I’m happy and motivated. I’m grateful to be fighting again.” H/t Credit: MMAFighting
While 'Fenomeno' backed Nunes to defend the title against de Randamie, she and her team also know that an immediate rematch could be on the cards in case of an upset.
UFC 245 promises to give the women's bantamweight division a fresh direction and that's great news for the fans.