- George Chung
- Nov 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Discretion is the better part of valor”—a lesson Viviane Araújo knows all too well.
Earlier this year, the Brazilian flyweight took a tough but calculated step back, withdrawing from her scheduled bout against Jasmine Jasudavicius to focus on recovery. The decision wasn’t easy, but it was necessary, especially after sustaining a meniscus tear during her fight with Natalia Silva.
“After my fight with Natalia, I had some time to take care of my mental health and fix what wasn’t done during the fight because I lost in the details,” Araújo shared with UFC.com. “Unfortunately, I tore my meniscus, so I had surgery, recovered, and had to pull out of the fight against Jasmine to get back to 100%. Today, I’m fully recovered and feeling great.”
Now, at 37, Viviane Araújo enters UFC 309 with a point to prove. Her opponent, the rising star Karine Silva, represents the next generation of flyweights—a younger, hungry competitor riding a nine-fight win streak, including a spotless 4-0 record in the UFC. But for Araújo, Silva is another obstacle she’s determined to overcome.
The Gatekeeper Turned Contender
Some athletes might resist the “gatekeeper” label, but not Araújo. Instead, she embraces the challenge of being a litmus test for up-and-coming fighters.
“I like being in the UFC’s focus,” Araújo said. “I know there are many girls with great potential, but I’m among them. It will be difficult to go through me. I’m here to prove I’m still evolving and that I can be the next title challenger.”
Facing Silva at Madison Square Garden is an opportunity Araújo isn’t taking lightly. Silva’s striking movement and sharp grappling make her a formidable opponent, but Araújo believes her experience and preparation give her the edge. “Karine brings a lot of movement and submissions, but I’m ready for everything,” she declared.
Brazil’s Flyweight Depth on Full Display
Araújo’s clash with Silva marks her fourth consecutive fight against a fellow Brazilian. While these matchups might seem redundant to some, they showcase the incredible depth of talent in Brazil’s MMA pipeline.
Out of the 37 athletes in the UFC women’s flyweight division, 11 hail from Brazil—a testament to the nation’s dominance in the sport. “Brazilian girls are showing we’re getting better every time,” Araújo said. “It only shows the potential we have in Brazil.”
Under the Bright Lights of MSG
Fighting at Madison Square Garden—the “Mecca of Combat Sports”—is a dream come true for Araújo. Her bout against Silva lands on the main card of UFC 309, which features the monumental heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
“What an honor to fight at Madison Square Garden and on this card,” Araújo said. “The spotlight will be on us, and my goal is to do my best. I’m mentally prepared because the pressure is high, so I stay calm and focused on the main goal: winning on Saturday.”
Don’t miss UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic, live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on November 16, 2024. Prelims start at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card kicking off at 10pm ET/7pm PT on PPV.
