Ketlen Vieira plans to wait for next title shot after UFC Fight Night 206

LAS VEGAS – Ketlen Vieira thinks it’s time she challenges for UFC gold.

The UFC women’s bantamweight contender wants to be next in the division following her most recent win. Vieira (13-2 MMA, 7-2 UFC) defeated former champion Holly Holm in a close, split decision in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 206 in Las Vegas. The Brazilian is now on a two-fight winning streak having bested Miesha Tate in her previous outing.

When asked if she’d be interested in a title eliminator bout against Irene Aldana, whom she lost to in late 2019, Vieira said there’s no need for the bout, and she would rather wait for the next title shot.

“I don’t think it’s necessary,” Vieira told reporters through an interpreter at the UFC Fight Night 206 post-fight news conference. “I just beat someone who beat her. I’d rather take my time, go back to the gym, keep getting better because I’ve waited a lot. I’ve been close to No. 2 all this time, so I just want to take whatever time is necessary and wait for the winner there (Julianna Peña vs. Amanda Nunes 2).”

Vieira is coming off two high-profile wins over former UFC champions. She’s happy to add Holm to her resume given Holm’s standing and history in the sport. It’s something she once dreamed of.

“As I was growing up and watching MMA in Manaus, Amazonas, I still had dreams of coming to the UFC, and I watched her shock the world and beat Ronda Rousey,” Vieira said. “And just like other fighters I mentioned like Miesha Tate and others, I’ve always wanted to fight them and be a part of this. So ever since I stared, I’ve always wanted to fight her.”