Cavalcanti Ready for UFC Challenge Amid Career Uncertainties

Las Vegas, NV – Brazilian MMA fighter Priscila Cavalcanti is set to make her mark in the bantamweight division this Saturday, representing a journey filled with resilience and determination. Growing up in a favela in Sao Paulo, Cavalcanti credits her success to the guidance and mentorship of UFC champion Cris Cyborg.

Cavalcanti’s career path to the octagon is a testament to her unwavering commitment to martial arts. Raised by a single mother, who worked as a maid, the family faced significant financial challenges. In pursuit of a better life, her mother relocated to Portugal when Cavalcanti was just 11 years old, missing two critical years together that Cavalcanti described as “tough.”

“Staying away from my mother for two years was tough, and as kids we don’t understand the whys,” she told MMA Fighting. “But now I understand perfectly that it was something necessary to get us where we are today.”

Upon her arrival in Portugal, Cavalcanti found herself struggling to adapt, with basic language skills to acquire. Despite these obstacles, she immersed herself in kickboxing and Muay Thai, working various jobs including waiting tables and at IKEA to support herself after turning 18.

The turning point in her career came during a seminar led by Cyborg, who encouraged her to explore mixed martial arts. “Cris Cyborg told me, ‘Wow, you’re good at this. You should invest more in MMA,’” Cavalcanti recalled. This pivotal moment prompted her to switch from kickboxing to MMA, ultimately leading her to win the LFA bantamweight title in 2023.

Cavalcanti joined the UFC with a record of 4-1 and has since improved her standing, currently holding an 8-1 record. However, her journey hasn’t been without setbacks, including an anticipated fight against former champion Germaine de Randamie, which fell through after de Randamie unexpectedly announced her retirement.

<p“I was very upset because the contract was already signed,” Cavalcanti expressed. “I think she was very inconsiderate.” After a brief rearrangement, fellow fighter Avila stepped in to fight Cavalcanti at UFC Vegas 102 on Feb. 15.

Regarding her opponent, Cavalcanti characterized Avila as “very explosive” but less technical on her feet. As she prepares for this fight, Cavalcanti aims to secure her spot among the top contenders in her division.

<p“Maybe they’ll do an interim belt, and maybe Amanda [Nunes] comes back — or not,” she said, referring to the challenging dynamics at the top of the division. “If I have to stay active, I’ll fight whoever I have to fight.”

Cavalcanti remains grateful for the strong ties to both Brazil and Portugal, often caught in the crossfire of friendly rivalry. “I feel very welcomed in Portugal,” she said, adding that while some face prejudice, she sees herself as an advocate for female athletes in combat sports.

<p“I embrace this Portuguese side because I was the first woman to get there. It’s a way for me to incentivize the sport in Portugal,” she noted.