Rising Flyweight Star Natalia Silva Seeks to “Show Something New” at UFC Vegas 73 This Saturday
3 min read
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night of MMA action as Natalia Silva, the highly touted flyweight prospect, makes her triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 73. With an impressive professional record of 14-5-1 and a flawless 2-0 record within the UFC, Silva has captivated fans with her electrifying fighting style and unwavering determination. Following her sensational spinning back kick knockout of Tereza Bleda, Silva has been recognized as a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division. Adding to her accolades, she was awarded the prestigious WMMA Rankings Newcomer of the Year in 2022. Brace yourself for a night of thrilling action as Silva continues her ascent in the world of mixed martial arts.
Silva’s desire to continually evolve and surprise her fans fuels her passion for putting on exciting fights. Each time she steps into the Octagon, Silva aims to showcase a different version of herself, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Reflecting on her upcoming fight, she remarked to UFC.com, “What I want to bring to this fight is something I haven’t shown yet. Each fight is something new.” With her unpredictable fighting style, Silva promises to deliver yet another exhilarating performance that will leave fans in awe.
Silva’s journey to UFC Vegas 73 has not been without its share of setbacks and challenges. Injuries forced her to withdraw from previous bouts with her upcoming opponent, but now she returns with a burning determination to make her mark. Recalling the difficulties she faced, she shared, “The first time I broke my arm, so I had to pull out. The second time, something happened, and she couldn’t fight. And now it’s the third time and this fight is happening, God willing!“.
Standing across from Silva in the Octagon is the resilient Victoria Leonardo. Silva holds Leonardo in high regard, acknowledging her heart, willpower, and technical prowess. Describing Leonardo as a tough fighter, Silva remains constantly alert, knowing she faces a formidable opponent. However, Silva’s respect for her adversary does not diminish her own drive to emerge victorious. She affirmed, “You can expect a Natalia that will fight with all her heart. My will to win is greater than anything else.“
Silva’s training under the guidance of esteemed coach Carlos Borracha and alongside teammates like UFC middleweight Paulo Costa has played a crucial role in her development. Under their tutelage, Silva has cultivated a tough and hardcore training regimen. Her coach pushes her to the limits, ensuring she is prepared for the worst-case scenarios in each session. This rigorous approach has bolstered Silva’s mental and physical strength, making her a force to be reckoned with in the flyweight division.
While Silva’s star continues to rise, she remains grounded and focused on the present. At just 26 years old, she acknowledges that she has much to learn and experience in the UFC. When it comes to future rankings and title shots, Silva remains unperturbed. She stated, “I’m not worried about that. I’m young. I’m 26 years old. I still have to gain a lot of experience here in the UFC. I’m happy to be here. I want to work. I want to fight and be happy doing it. That’s what matters. Regarding how long I’ll take to get to the Top 15 and how long it’ll take me to get to the title shot, that’s more up to them than to me. I just need to do my job.” Her unwavering dedication, combined with her undeniable talent, positions Silva as a promising contender in the flyweight division.
Mark your calendars for May 20, 2023, as Natalia Silva returns to the UFC Octagon to face off against Victoria Leonardo at UFC Vegas 73. Make sure to catch the preliminary card, featuring Silva vs. Leonardo, live on ESPN+ from 4pm ET.
