Despite lack of experience, DWCS 36 winner Gloria de Paula sure she can make an impact in the UFC

LAS VEGAS — Gloria de Paula may not have a ton of experience under her belt, but her Contender Series performance showed her potential.

De Paula scored a one-sided unanimous decision win over Pauline Macias at Dana White’s Contender Series 36 at the UFC Apex, improving to just 5-2 as a pro.

Her performance earned her a UFC contract and, after a dominant showing, the Chute Boxe Diego Lima prospect said she’s ready for the big leagues.

“I believe I’m ready for this,” de Paula told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at the post-fight press conference. “I’m improving my game and my skills, and I think I’m gonna do very great.”

With UFC president Dana White normally seeking finishes on the show, de Paula admits she was a little worried about her chances when her fight went the distance. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, but de Paula wasn’t able to put away a very durable Macias.

“She’s really tough, but I threw some very strong knees, and I was like, ‘Oh my god, she’s not falling,’” said de Paula. “But I keep going and I was trying to finish the fight, but I couldn’t, but I was really happy.”

She continued, “I was a little nervous because I couldn’t finish her, but I believe it was a very strong performance, and I was happy and just waiting.”

Thankfully for de Paula, that performance, and that patience, paid off.