Sijara Eubanks made her UFC debut at UFC Fight Night Utica, picking up a unanimous decision win over Lauren Murphy.
UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Nicco Montano is expected to defend the gold against Valentina Shevchenko next, but Eubanks wouldn’t mind a shot at the winner.
“I feel like I’m next in line,” Eubanks told MMA Junkie. “I know the whole talk is that Nicco and Valentina are going to be the next matchup, but I really think that – I knew the winner of me and Lauren was going to get the winner of Nicco and Valentina. So I figured I was going to win tonight. I won, and I figured that’s next. But I really want to get back to the gym, because it’s off camp that you have the most improvement.”
Eubanks and Montano were supposed to meet for the title at the UFC Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale, but Eubanks had a bad weight cut and was pulled from the fight.
The top contender doesn’t plan on taking much of a break after the UFC debut, because Eubanks wants to stay at her best.
“I’m going to stay training,” Eubanks said. “Taking care of my body is the No. 1 thing. It’s important that I stay nice and lean to stay fit for this flyweight division. I know the best Sarj. It sounds cocky, but I don’t know who messes with me when I’m at my best.”
There is no word on when Montano could be fighting Shevchenko, as Montano is dealing with a series of injuries since winning the gold.
