Mayra Bueno Silva is aiming to return to the octagon in September for a bantamweight fight against Irene Aldana at UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico, expressing enthusiasm for the matchup despite both fighters’ recent losses.
SÃO PAULO — Mayra Bueno Silva is eyeing a return to the octagon in September. She’s even willing to step into enemy territory to make it happen.
The former UFC title contender has reached out to the UFC. She’s asking for a bantamweight showdown with Irene Aldana at UFC 320, part of the Mexican-themed Noche UFC in Guadalajara, Mexico, on Sept. 13.
“Our plan is to fight at the Noche UFC card,” Silva said. “We’re waiting on what the UFC decides. If all goes well, that’s where we’ll be fighting. We’re pushing hard for this idea, so let’s see what happens.”
Silva, known as “Sheetara,” is moving back to bantamweight after her recent loss to flyweight Jasmine Jasudavicius. She’s faced a tough streak with three losses since her victory over Holly Holm, including a title match loss to Raquel Pennington.
Aldana’s recent record shows a mixed bag. After falling short against Amanda Nunes in June 2023, she went 1-1. She snagged a Fight of the Night bonus for beating Karol Rosa but lost to Norma Dumont this past September.
“I think we’d break each other in there,” Silva mused about facing Aldana. “It would be a bloody fight like every Irene fight. We’d put on quite the show for fans in Guadalajara if that’s what the UFC wants.”
Back in Sao Paulo, Silva joined Fighting Nerds and is planning for her wife Gloria de Paula’s pregnancy. The September date fits well, avoiding competition during the first trimester.
“It’s a good date for me,” Silva noted. “Irene isn’t at her best right now; she’s had some losses, and so have I. This matchup would be spectacular. Irene always delivers great fights for the UFC, and so do I—it’s perfect for us and the fans.”