Despite Diana Belbita`s recent struggles in the UFC, Dione Barbosa is preparing for a difficult fight when they meet in Las Vegas this Saturday at UFC Vegas 105.
Barbosa, returning to the Octagon after a loss to Miranda Maverick in July, told MMA Fighting that she is taking Belbita very seriously. She sees Belbita as a high-level competitor as she seeks to improve her UFC record to 2-1.
“If I have my way, her losing streak will continue,” Barbosa said jokingly. “I like this fight because she’s experienced and has fought strong opponents, including Molly McCann. She has much more experience than me, with 24 MMA fights compared to my 10. This is exactly the kind of fight I want – to test myself against experienced fighters.”
Belbita has secured UFC wins against Hannah Goldy and Maria Oliveira, but has suffered losses in two bouts with McCann, as well as against Karolina Kowalkiewicz, Gloria de Paula, and Liana Jojua.
However, Barbosa isn`t focused on Belbita`s past results, as she herself is determined to get back in the win column.
“I’m preparing for a war,” Barbosa stated. “I’m not paying attention to her current situation. I’m also coming off a defeat. Although I took my last fight on short notice, a loss is still a loss. I’m training as if this were a title fight. My goal is a knockout, but as a grappler, I’ll look for a submission if the opportunity arises.”
Barbosa’s training camp took place at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas again. She acknowledges both the advantages and disadvantages of this environment. On one hand, she benefits from training alongside elite athletes and sharing knowledge. On the other hand, it lacks privacy.
“But I’m okay with training with potential future opponents,” Barbosa explained. “Sometimes it can be a bit annoying, but it’s also a valuable opportunity. It’s harder for women to find training partners, so we have to train with whoever is available, even if they are in the same weight class. I see it as positive. If we end up fighting each other later, so be it. It’s all part of the game.”
For instance, after defeating Ernesta Kareckaite at UFC 301, Barbosa called out Ivana Petrovic. During this training camp at the UFC PI, she encountered Petrovic several times. Barbosa says their interactions are friendly and wouldn`t prevent them from fighting in the future.
Barbosa was initially offered a fight on the UFC Mexico card, but will now compete a week later at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas resident was eager to fight after a break, and ultimately prefers fighting closer to home rather than traveling to Mexico City.
“When we first heard about the Mexico fight, we began preparing for the altitude,” Barbosa said. “Preparing for that requires more investment. We would have had to go three or four weeks earlier. I was initially disappointed when they moved my fight a week later because I was ready to compete, but then I realized it was better because this camp would be less expensive.”
“The Witch” aims to remain active and wants to fight again soon after UFC Vegas 105, and she already has potential opponents in mind.
“I was originally scheduled to fight Casey O’Neill, we had a verbal agreement, but she injured her knee a week later,” Barbosa revealed. “She had knee surgery and is currently undergoing treatment here [at the UFC PI], so we occasionally see each other. I want to fight her because she’s ranked, but that’s not possible right now. Since JJ Aldrich is now ranked, I’ll call her out. They were already planning to give me a ranked opponent, so why not?”
