Mayra Bueno Silva, a fellow Brazilian bantamweight fighter, expressed her admiration for Amanda Nunes but made a surprising prediction for the upcoming UFC 289 bout between Nunes and Irene Aldana. While Nunes is heavily favored to retain her championship, Silva believes Aldana will secure an upset victory in Canada.
Silva, appearing on the MMA Hook podcast Trocação Franca, acknowledged Nunes’ incredible accomplishments and dominance in the sport, having defeated every former champion in spectacular fashion. However, Silva believes that Nunes’ current mindset and circumstances may affect her performance.
Silva pointed out that Nunes is expecting another child and already holds two championship belts. Silva believes that Nunes may be nearing retirement and lacks the same hunger and motivation as before. With Mexico’s success in the UFC and Aldana’s boxing skills, Silva predicts that Aldana will emerge victorious.
Silva, who now trains at American Top Team in Florida, recently signed on to headline UFC Vegas 77 against former champion Holly Holm on July 15. With three consecutive wins since moving up from the flyweight division, Silva believes a victory against Holm could position her for a shot at Nunes.
However, Silva remains realistic and hopes to earn a title opportunity before Nunes decides to retire. She acknowledges that defeating Nunes would be an enormous challenge for any fighter in the division, including herself and Ketlen Vieira. Silva views Nunes as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) and expresses disappointment if Nunes were to retire without giving other contenders, like herself, a chance to face her. Silva humorously remarks that stepping into the octagon with Nunes would be an extraordinary experience, and defeating her would solidify her own status as the one who has defeated everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC 289
Q: Who is Mayra Bueno Silva predicting to win at UFC 289?
A: Mayra Bueno Silva is predicting Irene Aldana to win at UFC 289 against Amanda Nunes.
Q: What is Mayra Bueno Silva’s reasoning for picking Irene Aldana?
A: Mayra Bueno Silva believes that Amanda Nunes, despite being a dominant champion, may not be as focused or motivated due to her impending retirement and impending motherhood. She also acknowledges Irene Aldana’s boxing skills and the recent success of Mexican fighters in the UFC.
Q: Does Mayra Bueno Silva think Amanda Nunes is still a formidable opponent?
A: Yes, Mayra Bueno Silva acknowledges that Amanda Nunes is an exceptional fighter and considers her to be the greatest of all time in women’s MMA.
Q: How does Mayra Bueno Silva see her own prospects in the bantamweight division?
A: Mayra Bueno Silva hopes to earn a shot at the UFC title before Amanda Nunes retires. She believes that defeating Nunes would be a monumental challenge for any fighter in the division, including herself.
Q: What are some comments from fans regarding Mayra Bueno Silva’s prediction?
A: Fans have expressed a range of opinions regarding Mayra Bueno Silva’s prediction. Some believe it’s a bold and interesting choice, while others maintain their faith in Amanda Nunes’ abilities and dominance. Many fans are excited to see the outcome of the fight and believe it will be a thrilling matchup.
More about UFC 289
- UFC 289 Fight Card
- Amanda Nunes UFC Profile
- Irene Aldana UFC Profile
- Mayra Bueno Silva UFC Profile
- MMA Hook Podcast
- American Top Team Official Website