Mayra Bueno Silva is planning her return to the octagon in September and has offered to compete in enemy territory.
The former UFC title challenger informed MMA Fighting that she has contacted the UFC requesting a bantamweight match against Irene Aldana at UFC 320, the Noche UFC event in Guadalajara, Mexico, scheduled for September 13.
“Our goal is to compete at the Noche UFC event, and we are awaiting the UFC`s decision,” Silva stated. “If everything aligns, we will be fighting at Noche UFC. We are strongly advocating for this idea, so we will see. It is the UFC`s decision.”
“Sheetara” will return to the bantamweight division after a loss to flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius in her previous fight. Silva has lost her last three fights in the promotion since defeating Holly Holm by submission, including a title fight against Raquel Pennington.
Aldana, conversely, has a record of 1-1 since her defeat to then-champion Amanda Nunes in June 2023. The 37-year-old veteran earned a Fight of the Night bonus for her victory over Karol Rosa in late 2023, but lost a decision to Norma Dumont last September.
“I believe we would push each other to our limits in the fight,” Silva commented on a potential match with Aldana. “I anticipate a bloody and exciting fight, typical of Irene`s fights. I think we would deliver a great show for the fans in Guadalajara, if the UFC approves.”
Silva relocated to Sao Paulo and joined Fighting Nerds to coordinate the pregnancy of her wife, UFC veteran Gloria de Paula, and considers the September date ideal to avoid competing during the first trimester of the anticipated pregnancy.
“It is a suitable date for me,” Silva said. “Irene is not in her best form, having experienced some recent losses, and I have also had unfavorable results. This matchup would be a fantastic spectacle. Irene consistently delivers exciting fights for the UFC, as do I, making it a good fight for both us and the fans.”
