Mirella Vargas is happy to thwart the Savannah Marshall hype.
Marshall, the undefeated super middleweight boxing champion, will make his mixed martial arts debut against Vargas in the main event of PFL Europe 2 on Saturday in Newcastle, England. Marshall is currently held by the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and ring She won the professional boxing title with a 13-1 record, losing only once in the ring to Claressa Shields.
Marshall now jumps into the cage to test herself, and although Vargas is 1-2 in MMA, she feels her background still gives her an advantage in the grappling department.
“She's a boxer, but I'm not going to let her do what she wants,” Vargas told MMA Fighting. “My plan is to hit her hard and put pressure on her. It's hard to use boxing skills after a hard grapple on the ground, so I'm going to let her use her strength. That makes a big difference and I'm ready for that.”
Vargas began training in Muay Thai at a young age, but only competed competitively after switching to Jiu Jitsu. After competing in martial arts matches for years, she decided to take kickboxing classes and eventually began competing competitively, competing in several tournaments in Brazil and across Europe.
“I know it's going to be a tough fight, but it's going to be a good fight,” Vargas said. “I don't want to leave it up to the referee. I want to finish the fight with a knockout or submission. I don't want to let someone else decide it.” [the winner]”…I want it to end. I want it to end.”
The Brazilian lightweight boxer will bulk up five pounds for a 160-pound catchweight fight with Marshall and then hope that the PFL will host a lightweight season again in 2025 so he can pursue his ultimate goal in the sport.
“A lot of people don't know this, but it's always been my dream to fight in the PFL,” Vargas said. “I never even dreamed of fighting for Invicta FC or UFC. I always wanted the PFL. I wanted to win a million dollars. That was my dream, so when I got the news that I'd signed with them and I'd be in the main event, I was super emotional.”
See Marshall's recent appearances MMA Hour Below is Ariel Helwani.
