The Next Ronda Rousey?

Photo by Chris Unger/DWCS LLC/Zuffa LLC

“I want to conquer what she conquered in MMA.”

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is injecting new life into its 115-pound division, thanks to a brand new contract with once-beaten strawweight sensation Luana Pinheiro. But the Brazilian may not have ever made it to Dana White’s “Contender Series” last Tuesday night had she not grown up watching former women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey, who served as an inspiration.

“I wanna show how my judo can be used in MMA, and I want to conquer what she conquered in MMA,” Pinheiro told MMA Junkie. “I also want to be an example and a motivation for new girls like me who are starting in MMA because if I’m here today, it’s because I saw Ronda Rousey fight and give me motivation for being in this way.”

Pinheiro (8-1) has now captured six straight wins with her last two victories ending by way of knockout. Not bad for a combatant who’s known for her judo. The 26 year-old strawweight is expected to make her Octagon debut at some point in first-quarter 2021.

For complete “Contender Series” results and play-by-play click here.