Loopy Godinez believes a UFC championship fight is coming later this year.
Godinez (12-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) is rapidly establishing herself as the favorite to win the title in 2023, and believes she can bring historic momentum into 2024 and challenge for the UFC women's strawweight title. Have confidence. She knows it won't be easy, but she has a strong desire to not only fight for the belt, but to be crowned champion.
“I have a feeling it will happen at the end of the year,” Godinez told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “But you never know. You can change anything. It could be before that, it could be a little later, but I see it happening. I don't know if I'm going to be the champion.” I can see it happening. We have an incredible future ahead of us.”
Godinez's first job in 2024 will be this Saturday at UFC on ESPN 54 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, against top title contender Vilna Jandirova (19-3 MMA, 5-3 UFC). We will be competing against each other.
The Mexican fighter believes this is a great opportunity to start preparing for a title shot. She believes that a resounding victory would be a major accomplishment in her campaign for the belt.
“She's currently in fifth place and won this match, but you never know where I'll be,” Godinez said. “I'm assuming the top and then we'll be talking about who's going to fight for the title at the end of the year or in September, but that would be incredible. Let's see. It's all about this. I think it depends on how I look in my next fight.”
Godinez's vision for himself is very specific. Not only does she think she'll fight for the belt, she thinks it will be against reigning champion Zang Weili. She expects Weili to retain his title against Yan Xiaonan at UFC 300 next month.
Godinez thinks fans will be looking forward to it if the two meet.
Asked about a possible matchup with Weili, Godinez said: “I think it would be an interesting fight.” “If we fight, I don't see a second in sight. I think it's going to be an incredible fight, an unforgettable fight, the fight of the year.”
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