UFC competitor Jacqueline Cavalcanti was bewildered as the scorecards from UFC on ESPN 62 were declared. Josiane Nunes, her competitor, was given three complete rounds by one judge while the remaining two presented a more favorable picture with Cavalcanti winning two to three rounds. While the call was closer than Cavalcanti had hoped, she ultimately secured a win through a split decision.
Cavalcanti revealed in a press conference post-game with MMA Junkie and other correspondents, that she was left confused by one judge’s decision to announce all three rounds in Nunes’ favor. She was left wondering whether the said judge viewed the same match she had partaken in, as in her view, she presumed she had successfully clinched two to three rounds.
‘Perhaps these judges were observing a different fight altogether,’ Cavalcanti speculated. However, she reassured that she would strive to ensure that future matches were decisive enough not to leave the end-result in the judges’ hands. Her contention was not with the split decision that yielded her the victory but with the uncertainty that it emerged from.
Regardless of these disconcerting views, a victory remains a victory. Undoubtedly, Cavalcanti anticipates her latest win to assist her in climbing the divisional hierarchy. A climb which could potentially advance her into the rankings.
While she considers ranking consequential, Cavalcanti expressed her satisfaction with her commendable 2-0 start in the UFC. She acknowledged Nunes as a formidable opponent and paid tribute to her strength and determination on the field.
‘Josiane is indeed a remarkable fighter. Incredibly strong and always pushing forward’, Cavalcanti remarked. She further noted that her team had extensively prepared for the match. Their strategy included mastering punches and kicks with a key objective of knocking down their strong adversary.
Cavalcanti highlighted how courageous Nunes was by referencing her previous success against the fighter placed at position 13 in UFC’s global ranking. Reminiscing about her recent second fight in UFC, she lauded her team and herself for their performance.
The Brazilian fighter embarked on her UFC journey mid-2023. Till this moment, she only had two matches to her name but aims to notably boost her appearances in the forthcoming days.
‘Amplifying my activity is what I desire,’ said Cavalcanti. She revealed her readiness to undertake more matches within the course of the year and even indicated comfort with a short-notice call.
Cavalcanti expressed her constant preparedness for a match. Aiming at becoming a champion one day, she clarified that she wants to steadily climb the ladder while believing in the process and taking one fight at a time.
Her determination to fight other opponents was evident, demonstrating her tenacity in the sport. She showed her apathetic attitude towards who her next opponent could be. Cavalcanti emphasized that no matter the contender, she would remain prepared and ready to fight.
With her approach of staying ever ready, Cavalcanti conveyed the will to be called into action at any time. She emphasized her commitment to the sport and disclosed her desire to remain competitive irrespective of the competitor.
Sterner challenges might lie ahead for Cavalcanti in her UFC journey, but her fearlessness and willingness to face them head-on are admirable. ‘It doesn’t matter who my next opponent is’, she said defiantly, demonstrating her inherent spirit and willingness to take on anyone.
As she remained confident about her future matches, her unwavering spirit and readiness were apparent. Continually preparing herself for the battles that lay ahead, Cavalcanti remained poised to accept any challenge, cementing her resolve with a fearless statement.
Assuredly, her journey in UFC is set to be one full of exciting challenges and robust encounters. Cavalcanti’s fighting spirit signals a promising future in the sport, encapsulated most aptly in her saying, ‘Whenever the call comes, I am prepared.’