Mayra Bueno Silva is aiming to return to the octagon in September and is willing to fight on her opponent`s home turf.
The former UFC title challenger told MMA Fighting that she has asked the UFC to arrange a bantamweight match against Irene Aldana at UFC 320, the next Mexican-themed pay-per-view event, Noche UFC, in Guadalajara, Mexico, on September 13.
“Our plan is to compete at the Noche UFC event, and we are waiting for the UFC`s decision,” Silva said. “If everything works out, we will be fighting at Noche UFC. We are pushing for this and insisting on the idea, so we`ll see. It`s up to the UFC.”
“Sheetara” will be back in the bantamweight division after a loss to flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius in her last fight. Silva has lost her last three fights in the UFC since defeating Holly Holm by submission, including a title fight against Raquel Pennington.
Aldana, meanwhile, has a record of 1-1 since losing to then-champion Amanda Nunes in June 2023. The 37-year-old veteran earned a Fight of the Night bonus for her victory over Karol Rosa in late 2023 but lost a decision to Norma Dumont last September.
“I think we would really test each other in the octagon,” Silva said about a potential fight with Aldana. “I believe it would be a bloody fight, just like Irene`s fights usually are. I think we would put on an exciting show for the fans in Guadalajara if the UFC decides to make it happen.”
Silva has moved back to Sao Paulo and joined Fighting Nerds to plan her wife — UFC veteran Gloria de Paula`s — pregnancy. She sees the September date as perfect to avoid competing during the first trimester of the planned pregnancy.
“It`s a good date for me,” Silva stated. “Irene is not in the best position right now, she has had some losses, and I have also had some bad results. This matchup would be a fantastic show. Irene always delivers great fights for the UFC, and so do I, making it a good fight for both us and the fans.”
