Rivalries: Mayra Bueno Silva

Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight powerhouse Mayra Bueno Silva rose through the ranks of the 135-pound weight class by virtue of her impressive displays and resolute spirit. She occupies the No. 3 spot in the rankings and now has the opportunity to lay hands on promotional gold when she faces Raquel Pennington for the vacant women’s bantamweight championship in the UFC 297 co-main event on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Hailing from Uberlandia, Brazil, and training extensively in gyms in Campinas and Sao Paulo since January 2015, Silva’s journey has been defined by crucial turning points. Ahead of her upcoming high-stake clash with Pennington, a look at a few of the transformative rivalries that have contributed to the Brazilian’s evolution into a championship-caliber fighter:

Marilia Santos

Silva burst onto the mixed martial arts scene by breaking Santos’ five-fight winning streak in the second fight of her career. “Sheetara” defeated her opponent via first-round technical knockout (retirement) at Sidney Simbaba Fight 4 back in April 2016. The victory showcased Silva’s ability to face an experienced fighter with momentum.

Mayana Souza dos Santos

In a career-defining moment on Dana White’s Contender Series, Silva faced dos Santos, once again breaking her opponent’s solid winning streak with a technical submission via ninja choke in the first round. Prior to that loss, Santos was on a brilliant seven-fight winning streak with four finishes. The victory earned Silva a spot on the UFC roster and highlighted her potential for success on the grand stage of the world’s premier MMA organization.

Gillian Robertson

Silva made a stunning UFC debut against Robertson at UFC Fight Night 137. Once again, she showcased her submission skills, this time with an armbar that secured the win in the first round. Interestingly, Robertson was also on a three-fight winning streak, further establishing Silva’s status as a streak-breaker.

Yanan Wu

In a gritty battle at UFC on ESPN 34 on April. 16, 2022, Silva faced Wu in a thrilling contest that went the distance. She won the fight by unanimous decision. The fight earned the coveted “Fight of the Night” accolade, underlining Silva’s ability to deliver entertaining and competitive performances.

Lina Lansberg

Silva’s performance against Lansberg at UFC Fight Night 219 on Feb. 18, 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. She secured a submission victory with a kneebar in the second round, earning the “ “Performance of the Night” bonus. Silva compiled her best run in the UFC with that victory, sealing a three-fight winning streak.