LAS VEGAS – Jennifer Maia beat Jessica Eye with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 264 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Maia, who returned to the win column after a loss in a title fight to women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko this past November.
Maia on the fight’s key moment
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jennifer Maia moves in for a hit against Jessica Eye during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“I felt (the cut) was due to a head butt and I hoped my head wasn’t cut like hers. But I felt it bugged her and I made the best out of it and grew in the fight.
“From what my corners told me, I felt I was winning the fight. But I couldn’t let her start to like the fight. I had to keep imposing my will to get the three rounds. But I felt I was winning each round.”
Maia on a win after her title-challenge loss
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Jennifer Maia moves in for a hit against Jessica Eye during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
“After losing to Valentina (Shevchenko), I’m very happy to get back to the win column. This means a lot for my career.
“I thought I might end this fight with a knockout or a submission, but Jessica Eye is very experienced. She was also very well prepared, and in the end I got what I wanted, which was a win.”
Maia on what she wants next
“Coming off of a loss, I feel it was a very good comeback. I feel I haven’t showed everything I’m capable of yet, but I’m satisfied with my performance. I don’t have a specific name. I just want someone above me in the rankings, so I can have another opportunity for the title soon.”
To hear more from Maia, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.