Mayra Bueno Silva: ‘Easy money’ matchup vs. Julianna Peña would’ve created more buzz for UFC 297

January 17, 2024 2:00 pm ET

TORONTO – Mayra Bueno Silva has been honest ahead of UFC 297 – brutally honest.

When looking at the card on paper, Bueno Silva (10-2-1 MMA, 5-2-1 UFC) said she understands and even connects with critics of the vacant women’s bantamweight title fight vs Raquel Pennington (15-8 MMA, 12-5 UFC) scheduled for Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.

There was a better, easier alternative, according to Bueno Silva.

“Everybody is ready for me and Julianna Peña,” Bueno Silva told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I believe you want to see me and Julianna Peña. This girl has me crazy.”

Since she defeated Holly Holm in July, Bueno Silva has zoned in on Peña, a brash and outspoken former titleholder who isn’t afraid to talk trash. Despite the energy dedicated toward a potential future opponent, Bueno Silva said she hasn’t struggled to focus on the task at hand.

“It’s easy to focus on Raquel because I’m not focused on Julianna, because Raquel is very tough and more tough than Julianna,” Pennington said. “Julianna is easy money. Raquel is tough.”

Trash talk aside, Bueno Silva is just happy to be fighting for the title at all. She was suspended six months, and her win vs. Holm was overturned to a no contest due to a failed drug test that eventually traced back to an ADHD medication.

Despite Bueno Silva’s suspension from the Nevada Athletic Commission, the promotion decided to book her for a title fight anyway. Bueno Silva felt supported during an uncertain time.

“Of course, but UFC helped me with everything,” Bueno Silva said. “The UFC did everything for me. This is a big bullsh*t. Everybody knows. Thanks, UFC, for helping me and waiting for me. Thank you, Hunter (Campbell), for helping me get ready for this fight.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.

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