Mayra Bueno Silva aims to return to the octagon in September and has offered to compete on her opponent`s home turf.
The former UFC title challenger informed MMA Fighting that she has contacted the UFC to request a bantamweight match against Irene Aldana at UFC 320. This event, themed around Mexican culture and known as Noche UFC, is scheduled for September 13 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
“Our plan is to compete at the Noche UFC event, and we are awaiting the UFC`s decision,” Silva stated. “If everything works out, we will be fighting at Noche UFC. We are strongly advocating for this idea, so we will see. Ultimately, it’s the UFC’s decision.”
“Sheetara” will be returning to the bantamweight division after her recent loss to flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius. Silva has lost her last three fights in the UFC since defeating Holly Holm by submission, including a title fight against Raquel Pennington.
On the other hand, Aldana`s record is 1-1 since her defeat against then-champion Amanda Nunes in June 2023. The 37-year-old veteran received a Fight of the Night bonus for her win over Karol Rosa in late 2023 but lost a decision to Norma Dumont last September.
“I believe we would push each other to our limits in the fight,” Silva said regarding a potential matchup with Aldana. “I anticipate a bloody fight, typical of Irene’s fights. I think we would deliver an exciting show for the fans in Guadalajara, if the UFC agrees.”
Silva has relocated to Sao Paulo and joined Fighting Nerds to plan her wife Gloria de Paula`s — who is also a UFC veteran — pregnancy. She considers the September date ideal to avoid competing during the first trimester of the anticipated pregnancy.
“It’s a suitable date for me,” Silva mentioned. “Irene is not in the best streak, having experienced some losses, and I have also had unfavorable results. This matchup would be a fantastic spectacle. Irene consistently delivers exciting fights for the UFC, and so do I, making it a good fight for both us and the fans.”
