Last weekend's unexpected changes in the Denver main event have led to Miranda Maverick shifting opponents for this weekend's UFC fight in Las Vegas. Originally set to face Tracy Cortez, Maverick will now take on Dana White's Contender Series graduate Dione Barbosa at the UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba event at the UFC Apex.
At just 27 years old, Maverick has rebounded from earlier defeats to Maycee Barber and Erin Blanchfield by securing four wins in her last five outings, including notable victories over Priscila Cachoeira and Andrea Lee. While not yet at the contender level of Barber and Blanchfield, Maverick is actively progressing towards the upper echelons of the division. A commanding win this weekend could further enhance her standing among the flyweight ranks.
Maverick, who has been under the spotlight since her days at Invicta FC, is recognized for her exceptional athleticism and strength in the flyweight division. Initially hesitant in leveraging her skills fully, Maverick has shown marked improvement since collaborating with head coach Eliot Marshall.
Now in her prime as a professional athlete, Maverick is poised to make significant strides within the division. Her opponent, 32-year-old Dione Barbosa, is relatively new to the UFC roster but brings momentum from a four-fight winning streak, including a resilient performance in her promotional debut at UFC 301. This matchup presents a unique challenge for Maverick, as she faces a potentially underestimated opponent in Barbosa.
This bout is crucial for assessing Maverick's readiness to ascend further in the rankings, as it has all the makings of a "trap game." Her approach and performance this Saturday will be telling of her current form and future prospects in the division.
Catch all the action of UFC Fight Night: Lemos vs Jandiroba live from UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The prelims begin at 5 pm ET/2 pm PT, followed by the main card airing live on ESPN & ESPN+ starting at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT. Don't miss it!