Mayra Bueno Silva Reveals Dressing as Man for UFC Saudi Arabia Weigh-in
Mayra Bueno Silva is making a significant return to the bantamweight division after facing challenges in the flyweight category earlier this year. Silva recently competed at UFC Vegas 111 against Jacqueline Cavalcanti, aiming to end a four-fight winless streak.
Struggles in the Flyweight Division
Silva’s stint at flyweight included a painful weight cut leading up to her fight with Jasmine Jasudavicius in Riyadh. The process took a grueling 16 hours, which Silva described as brutal. She noted the difficulties she faced, stating, “The weight cut is brutal for me.”
Weight-Cutting Challenges
During her attempt to reach the 125-pound limit, Silva struggled physically. She reached a weight of 132 pounds but faced complications as her body stopped sweating. “Not a single drop of sweat would come out,” she recounted. Without access to a sauna due to gender restrictions in Saudi Arabia, her team resorted to unconventional methods. Silva humorously shared that her coaches had the idea to dress her as a man to sneak her into a sauna, which ultimately helped her meet the required weight.
Emotional Impact of Recent Losses
Despite her efforts, Silva lost the match against Jasudavicius by unanimous decision. She recognized that the weight-cutting ordeal may have negatively impacted her performance. “I did lose, but it definitely had an influence,” she admitted.
Motivation to Succeed
Silva’s recent track record includes three consecutive losses, along with a victory that was overturned to a no-contest. This has heightened her sense of urgency as she prepares for her upcoming matches. “It’s either win or lose,” she remarked, expressing comfort with the pressure she feels.
- Current Streak: Four-fight winless
- Last Fight: Lost to Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Upcoming Fight: Against Jacqueline Cavalcanti
- Fight Location: UFC Vegas 111
Preparing for Cavalcanti
As she trains for Cavalcanti, Silva remains confident in her abilities. Working again with her jiu-jitsu coach, she feels prepared to showcase her full potential in the octagon. Silva noted that while Cavalcanti is unbeaten in the UFC, she believes she has the advantage in this matchup. “I see a very tough night for Jaqueline,” she stated. “I’m superior in everything, and I’ll prove that.”
Anticipating a Knockout
Silva expressed her desire to secure a knockout victory, emphasizing her aim to demonstrate a new side of herself in the UFC. She believes that her jiu-jitsu skills could pave the way for striking opportunities, making her an unpredictable opponent.
With her sights set on achieving her first knockout in the UFC, Silva is eager to reveal her true fighting spirit against Cavalcanti. “I’ve never shown 100% of ‘Sheetara’ inside the UFC,” she concluded, conveying her determination to make an impactful comeback.
