Jeisla Chaves is set to make her highly anticipated UFC debut this Saturday night. The 29-year-old Brazilian hails from Poçoes, a small town in Bahia. Originally aspiring to be a geography teacher, Chaves’s life took a significant turn after a friend’s invitation led her to work as a ring girl for a Muay Thai event.
Transition from Ring Girl to Fighter
Chaves quickly fell in love with Muay Thai, transforming her role from holding ring cards to stepping into the ring herself. “I traded ring cards for gloves, and that’s when everything changed in my life,” she recounted. With encouragement from her coach, she debuted as an amateur fighter less than a year later, ultimately winning her first championship title. This pivotal moment solidified her passion for combat sports.
Dedication to the Sport
After embracing her new path, Chaves began training professionally in Muay Thai and branched out into jiu-jitsu. She faced challenges during her journey, including conflicts with family and sacrifices in her personal life. Chaves worked at a shoe factory but chose to give up a promotion that would relocate her from her gym. She even declined a teaching position, prioritizing her fighting career instead.
UFC Contract and Upcoming Fight
In September 2023, Chaves solidified her place in the UFC by winning a grueling match against Sofia Montenegro on Dana White’s Contender Series. The fight, which ended in a split decision, demonstrated her resilience and capability inside the cage. Both fighters were subsequently signed by the UFC, marking a significant milestone in Chaves’s career.
Facing Yuneisy Duben in UFC 118
Chaves is now preparing for her debut against Venezuelan fighter Yuneisy Duben. Both athletes entered the UFC with impressive records, with Duben previously holding a 6-0 record. However, she suffered a defeat against Carli Judice by knockout in her first UFC outing.
- Fight Date: Saturday night
- Event: UFC 118
- Opponent: Yuneisy Duben
- Previous Fight: Win against Sofia Montenegro on Dana White’s Contender Series
- Record Before UFC: 1-0 (for Chaves) and 6-1 (for Duben)
Chaves expects to deliver an action-packed performance, similar to her previous encounters. “It will be a lot of exchanges and blood, just like my fight on the Contender Series. It’s going to be a striking contest that fans will love,” she stated confidently. As she prepares to step into the octagon, Chaves aims to showcase her dedication and passion for the sport.
