Ketlen Vieira: Into the Void

The Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight division has undergone some significant renovations since Ketlen Vieira last saw action inside the Octagon. Most notably, the retirement of longtime champion Amanda Nunes left a void at the top of the 135-pound weight class.

Vieira certainly took notice.

“My focus doesn’t change, regardless,” she told Sherdog.com. “I aim to be the UFC champion, and I don’t know if it will take a year or two or three. I can only guarantee that I’ll keep working hard to make that dream become reality. I’m willing to pay the price to make it happen during my lifetime. If God wishes for me to be champion, then it will happen.”

The 31-year-old Nova Uniao export will get back to business when she confronts former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder Pannie Kianzad as part of the UFC Fight Night 224 undercard this Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. A finalist on Season 28 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Kianzad had rattled off five wins in six appearances and seemed to be gaining some real traction at 135 pounds. However, she has not fought since April 16, 2022, when she outpointed Lina Lansberg to a unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 34.

“I envision a war,” Vieira said. “She wants to take my place in the Top 5. Of course, I want to defend my spot and climb even higher. I came to the UFC to face the best in the world, so when I’m booked against someone like that, I get much more motivated. I wake up every day looking to get better with each training session. We both want to win at any cost. I’m very well prepared. I’m very happy with everything we’ve done in this camp.”

Vieira has compiled a 7-3 record across her 10 assignments in the UFC, her resume highlighted by victories over former champions Holly Holm and Miesha Tate. However, she finds herself on the rebound following a contentious split decision defeat to Raquel Pennington at UFC Fight Night 217 on Jan. 14. Vieira outstruck Pennington by a 138-104 margin and was credited with nearly five minutes of control time but still wound up on the wrong side of the scorecards.

“A lot of folks felt I won that fight. My team and I thought so, too,” Vieira said. “When we don’t get a finish, we’re at the mercy of the judges’ interpretations. Everyone sees things differently. It happens. Raquel deserves credit. I can’t have tough fights on my own. If it was tough, she was part of that. I have to learn positive lessons from that situation.”

Six months later, “Fenomeno” has acquired her next target.

“I’m looking at Pannie as if she’s the champion,” Vieira said. “I have to beat her to get to the next step. My focus is completely on her. I’ll test myself and put into practice all the training I’ve done over the last few months. I’m fully focused on my next fight. I don’t take steps longer than my legs. The future belongs to God. Only He knows what will happen. I’m confident we’ll have a great fight. I’m very happy, motivated and anxious to share the Octagon with her.”