Following a triumphant second round against former champion Holly Holm at the UFC Vegas 77 main event, Mayra Bueno Silva has fast emerged as a formidable contender in the women’s bantamweight division.
Silva’s victory was marked by a spectacular submission over Holm, achieved after the latter attempted to close in for a takedown. However, Silva quickly responded by clinging to her neck and securing a powerful guillotine choke.
Despite Holm’s attempts to hold on, escape was impossible, and she tapped out just 38 seconds into the second round. This victory marks the highest point in Silva’s career thus far, as well as her fourth consecutive victory since her return to the 135-pound division.
In the aftermath of her victory, Silva immediately called out ex-champion Julianna Pena for a match, following the vacancy of the bantamweight title after Amanda Nunes retired post-UFC 289.
“I accomplished what I set out to do. Now, I desire the belt because I’ve earned it,” Silva passionately exclaimed. “No one finishes like me. I deserve the belt. Julianna Pena, let’s go. Both of us deserve this opportunity, and so do the fans. I finish my fights, and I always put on a show.”
Silva also emphasized her claim to the belt by stating, “This belt is mine. It was Amanda’s belt. It belongs to Brazil. This is for Amanda Nunes. This is for my country.”
Silva’s performance against Holm was commendable, considering this was her first main event against an opponent as experienced as Holm, who is renowned for her endurance over five rounds.
Throughout the fight, Holm showed quick reflexes and repeatedly tried to gain the upper hand by slowing Silva down with her clinch. However, Silva held her ground, landing heavy blows whenever she had the chance.
As round two commenced, Holm stuck to her strategy of closing in on Silva. But Silva exploited this to her advantage, securing her grip on Holm’s neck and forcing her into submission.
Following the victorious match, a visibly excited Silva contrasted with a downcast Holm, who was evidently disappointed with her performance.
Despite the exhilarating victory potentially earning her a shot at the UFC title, Silva candidly spoke about her recent struggles with mental health, and offered words of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
“Recently, I was in the depths of depression,” confessed Silva. “I questioned the value of life, of being alive. I found solace in the people around me and that girl over there, who’s been by my side all along.”
She further encouraged, “If you’re facing similar challenges, reach out, talk to someone. Victory is always within reach. Don’t give up, reach out and speak up.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mayra Bueno Silva victory
Who won the UFC Vegas 77 main event in the women’s bantamweight division?
Mayra Bueno Silva emerged victorious in the UFC Vegas 77 main event, defeating former champion Holly Holm in the second round.
What was notable about Mayra Bueno Silva’s win over Holly Holm?
Mayra Bueno Silva won the fight with a powerful guillotine choke, which she secured after Holly Holm attempted to close in for a takedown. This was also Silva’s fourth consecutive victory since her return to the 135-pound division.
Who did Mayra Bueno Silva call out after her win?
After her victory over Holly Holm, Mayra Bueno Silva immediately called out ex-champion Julianna Pena for a match, following the vacancy of the bantamweight title due to Amanda Nunes’ retirement.
What did Mayra Bueno Silva say about mental health following her win?
Following her win, Mayra Bueno Silva spoke candidly about her recent struggles with depression. She encouraged those facing similar challenges to reach out and talk to someone, emphasizing that victory is always within reach.
