LAS VEGAS – Natalia Silva’s seven-month absence from the octagon ahead of UFC Fight Night 242 has been the product of personal struggle.
“I had a hard moment in my life,” Silva told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s media day. “I lost my sister recently, four months ago. I’d like to have fought again before, but I (couldn’t).”
The death of her sibling was a traumatic experience, but Silva (17-5-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) enters fight week for Saturday’s women’s flyweight matchup against former UFC champ Jessica Andrade (26-12 MMA, 17-10 UFC) with her signature smile still on her face. She knows the matchup, which takes place at the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+, is one that could change her career in a significant way.
