MIAMI – Mayra Bueno Silva had always pictured herself as a UFC champion in the women`s flyweight division, but she has now given up on that dream.
Silva (10-5-1 MMA, 5-5-1 UFC) started her UFC career at flyweight (125 pounds) before moving up to bantamweight. She earned a shot at the vacant bantamweight title against Raquel Pennington in January 2024 but was defeated. After another loss, she decided to try flyweight again.
This return to flyweight didn`t go as planned for the Brazilian fighter. She lost to Jasmine Jasudavicius at UFC Fight Night 250 in February. Now on a four-fight winless streak, she believes the solution is to fully commit to bantamweight.
“My last fight in the octagon showed everyone that flyweight is difficult for me,” Silva told MMA Junkie. “I competed at flyweight at the beginning of my UFC career, but it never went well. I dreamed of fighting for the flyweight belt, but it’s not for me.
“I’m returning to my weight class because I perform better at bantamweight. I need to focus on bantamweight now. I am happier at bantamweight, and everyone around me is happier too. Flyweight is hard because I have to cut a lot of weight, which makes me feel weak. I had a dream about flyweight, but it’s not meant for me.”
Looking ahead and aiming to get back to winning ways for the first time since February 2023, Silva, 33, is seeking a significant fight.
Silva, ranked No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s bantamweight rankings, sees former title challenger Irene Aldana (15-8 MMA, 8-6 UFC), ranked No. 6, as the ideal opponent. She suggested September as a possible timeframe, coinciding with the annual Noche UFC event celebrating Mexican Independence Day.
“I requested Irene Aldana for September,” Silva said. “It would be a very exciting fight. For me, it’s a dangerous fight because she is a good boxer, although she might be injured right now. I am waiting for her because if the UFC gives me the opportunity to fight her, it would be a great pleasure, and I am ready to wait. I think maybe September or November.”
