Felicia Spencer knows Zarah Fairn has a lot to offer but is ready to dominate at UFC on ESPN+ 27

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – There’s a lot on the line for Felicia Spencer, who will look to leave no doubt on Saturday.

Spencer (7-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) takes on Zarah Fairn (6-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN+ 27 in Norfolk, Va., in a pivotal featherweight fight.

There’s another 145-pound matchup between Megan Anderson and Norma Dumont earlier in the night. Whoever looks most impressive on the night could wound up being the No. 1 contender for UFC featherweight champion Amanda Nunes.

Although Fairn is coming off a quick submission loss to Anderson, former Invicta FC 145-pound champion Spencer won’t take her lightly.

“I have a lot of respect for her skills,” Spencer told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “I know she brings a lot to the table and I feel like she’s being underestimated a lot, which is to be expected with how the debut went. She only had a couple of minutes to show, and it didn’t go her way, so it makes sense. But I know she has a lot to offer, a lot to the table that I need to be aware of, and I know she’s more known as a striker. But she’s also good on the ground. She has her moments, and I’m ready to dominate and not let her have her way at all.”

Dual-champ Nunes hasn’t fought at 145 pounds since capturing the title in December 2018, but has mentioned intentions of defending the title.

And with the UFC’s women’s featherweight doubleheader of sorts getting high billing Saturday, Spencer thinks a solid win over Fairn should secure a shot at the title.

“I think it’s possible to get a title shot after Saturday,” Spencer said. “I guess it depends on how things go, who wins on the other end of the card, and if there are any other featherweights that they’re going to be bringing in – because otherwise, there aren’t that many options.”