There have been loads of {couples} competing contained in the UFC, from Amanda Nunes and Nina Nunes, to Rose Namajunas and Pat Barry, however no duo has ever been in a position to declare gold.
Karol Rosa and Denise Gomes intention to alter that.
The bantamweight Rosa, 7-3 general within the UFC, is now ranked No. 10 within the MMA Fighting Global Rankings after a victory over Pannie Kianzad. She re-enters the cage this weekend to battle Ailin Perez at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. The 25-year-old Gomes, victorious in opposition to Karolina Kowalkiewicz and Eduarda Moura in 2024, hopes to enters the elite of the strawweight class this 12 months.
“Denise hasn’t proven how good she is but,” Rosa instructed MMA Preventing. “She had two unbelievable knockouts [over Bruna Brasil and Yazmin Jauregui] and we’re each doing properly within the UFC. I’ve little doubt [the UFC] can have a pair as champions in just a few years.”
Gomes defeated one-time UFC title contender Kowalkiewicz on Nov. 9, whereas Rosa stated she was provided the principle occasion spot of that present reverse Mayra Bueno Silva till the UFC finally moved that matchup to January. Then plans modified totally to have her struggle Perez on Jan. 18, with Silva returning to flyweight.
Rosa likes the thought of being on the identical card of her companion, particularly as the principle occasion, however sees the professionals and cons of such an expertise.
“‘De’ and I like preventing [on the same night] as a result of we assist one another,” Rosa stated. “There are optimistic and adverse sides of it. The unhealthy facet is that we’re each on a weight loss plan. Food regimen sucks, and once you add PMS, it’s difficult [laughs]. However the good facet is that we have a good time collectively afterwards.”
Rosa admitted she anticipated to face a top-ranked opponent after being briefly linked to a Battle Night time primary occasion with “Sheetara.” Nonetheless, dealing with Perez offers her mileage and expertise contained in the octagon.
“I wish to change into champion, I’ve what it takes to change into the champion,” Rosa stated, “So I see that as alternative to change into extra mature for when the time comes and I struggle for the belt and don’t lose it in my first protection. That is preparation for me. I have to take issues step-by-step as a way to change into champion, and that is one other step.”
Perez has gained 4 within the UFC with a trio of selections, plus a submission over Darya Zheleznyakova, since dropping her promotional debut to Stephanie Egger in 2022, and Rosa respects her grappling abilities. The Brazilian has gone the space in all her UFC fights to this point, with no finishes since early 2019.
“We all the time go in there trying to end the struggle — it’s humorous that I’ll say this, however I would like this struggle to final three rounds,” Rosa stated. “You already know once you really feel such as you wish to struggle and present how a lot you’ve advanced? If it ends early, even higher, however I’m all the time getting ready for 5 rounds. I’m able to struggle three rounds and present my evolution, to point out different women that I’m a badass.”
