LAS VEGAS – Viviane Araujo is no different than most fighters who keep an eye on the champions in their divisions.
In Araujo’s case at women’s flyweight, that’s Alexa Grasso, who happens to be Araujo spent 25 minutes with. And it was that unanimous decision win over her that got Grasso a title shot, which led to an upset of Valentina Shevchenko – and another upset in their rematch.
Given Araujo (11-5 MMA, 5-4 UFC) has lost back-to-back fights heading into her UFC Fight Night 230 co-main event against Jennifer Maia (21-9-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC), she’s not likely to get another crack at Grasso with just one win. Still, she’ll plan as if that will be the case.
“It was details that lost the fight (for me) over those five rounds, and since then she’s been evolving a lot,” Araujo said through a translator at Wednesday’s media day for UFC Fight Night 230. “That’s why she’s grown so much in the organization. I’m always trying to evolve and paying attention, studying my possible opponents. I’ll be ready for whatever comes my way.”
To that end, Araujo also said she’s been working with a sports psychologist to improve the mental side of her game.
Check out her full UFC Fight Night 230 media day interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 230.
