UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Jessy Miele picked up a big win over a former title challenger, which she believes should warrant a title shot.
Miele (9-3 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) edged Talita Nogueira by split decision at Bellator 231 on Friday, making good in her promotional debut.
And she believes if Nogueira fought for the featherweight title in 2018, then a win over her is definitely big.
“She fought for the title, why can’t I?” Miele said after her win at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. “I just beat somebody that fought (for the title). She did lose, but hey, I should have a shot, too. I know first (champion) Julia Budd has to fight (Cris) Cyborg, and someone has to have that title again. So we’ll go from there. But I’m definitely, I’ll open my mind to that.”
Miele has been in there with some established names in women’s MMA such as Peggy Morgan, Charmaine Tweet and Elizabeth Phillips, and is currently riding a four-fight winning streak.
A win over jiu-jitsu champ Nogueira is certainly a feather in her cap, and may perhaps mean that she has entered title contention already. All she knows is that she has what it takes to compete with the division’s best.
“I would hope that people see me and see me perform and accept that I have what it takes to be that next level,” Miele said. “Just by beating her and beating other people, it’s not just about that. It’s about me putting on a show and just do my thing, and having the confidence of being – I’m not going to go down quickly, I’m not going to go down easy. So I hope that they see that and they will be accepting of that.”
Jessy Miele after Bellator 231 win over Talita Nogueira: 'She fought for the title. Why can't I?'
