Sabina Mazo (6-0) is a 21-year-old flyweight mixed martial artist. She was signed late last year by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. In her promotional debut, the unbeaten prospect will clash with Maryna Moroz at UFC on ESPN 2.
Here are five things that you might not know about the pugilist that is called the “Colombian Queen.”
She’s the first female fighter from Colombia to make it to the UFC.
The Colombian is a pioneer, in that she’s the first woman hailing from the South American country to be signed by the UFC. When asked about this achievement Mazo said, “It’s important for the country and female sports.”She has been a champion before.
Previously, Mazo fought in the Legacy Fighting Alliance. In her sophomore appearance with the organization, she defeated Linsey Williams. The victory saw the “Colombian Queen” claim the promotion’s vacant flyweight belt. She would successfully defend the strap twice before signing a four-bout deal with the UFC.She calls California home.
Mazo commenced her professional mixed martial arts career in 2015 with two wins in South America. Her then coach David Gonzalez came to the conclusion that the teenager would be best served to develop her skills stateside. He used his connection with revered coach and Kings MMA owner Rafael Cordeiro to orchestrate a move. At just 19, Mazo left her hometown of traveled north to Orange County, California. She now trains at Kings MMA alongside Kelvin Gastelum and Beneil Dariush and LFA flyweight king Maikel Perez.The dedicated martial artist is adamant that the move has proven beneficial. Mazo said, “I got into this to prove what I can do, to become the best martial artist I can be. It’s why I picked up and moved to a whole new country.”
She has a penchant for highlight-reel knockouts.
Although only six fights into her professional career, she already has a reputation for spectacular knockouts. At LFA 9, she finished Jamie Thornton with a devastating roundhouse head kick. The incredible finish gained over 1.5 million YouTube views. Mazo repeated the feat in her next bout when she dispatched Williams with the same technique.She hasn’t shown all the facets of her game.
As a teenager, Mazo competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournaments. However, her fights primarily take place on the feet, where she has used her length to keep adversaries at the end of her effective strikes.Mazo is adamant that she will show the other facets of her game in due time. The 21-year-old has devoted considerable time training her ground game under the tutelage of Ricardo Testai. She recently said, “I [have] trust in my jiu-jitsu game and I haven’t shown it yet. Maybe it’s time for it.”