Miranda Maverick submitted Priscila Cachoeira during UFC 291, but accused Cachoeira of using questionable tactics, including grabbing the fence and almost pulling down her top, which Cachoeira denied and expressed disappointment over Maverick’s allegations, ending her two-match win streak and evening their professional records at 12-5.
In the third round of the flyweight showdown at the UFC 291 event in Salt Lake City, Miranda Maverick was victorious with a submission against Priscila Cachoeira. However, Maverick expressed her distaste for what she perceived as inappropriate behavior from the Brazilian inside the octagon. Maverick asserted that she entered the bout cautiously, alleging that Cachoeira engaged in dubious acts during previous fights. She accused Cachoeira of grabbing onto the fence and nearly exposing her by pulling down her top.
In response to Maverick, Cachoeira conveyed to her in a text message that she originally did not plan on addressing Maverick’s claims. However, she ultimately chose to disclose the direct messages she had sent to Maverick on Instagram. Cachoeira expressed her discontent, stating in Portuguese, “You’re a great warrior and know how hard we work to be in there. You did your strategy well and won with excellence…but [for you] to try to tarnish my image accusing me of something you know I really had no intention to harm you…It wasn’t my intention to fight dirty with you.”
Cachoeira further voiced her disappointment over the allegations. She felt disrespected for her effort as a fighter and highlighted her struggle to earn for her dependent family. She added, “You had my respect, but I was very upset with your lack of humbleness and for not recognizing a true warrior that works hard to be where she is… Be humble and honest, that’s how you’ll become world champion.” She ended by saying that she had no intention of responding to media inquiries about the issue and advised Maverick to remain strong in her path to becoming a champion.
Despite their exchange, Cachoeira acknowledged Maverick’s potential to become a champion. She further stated that her losing to Maverick ended her two-fight winning streak against Ariane Lipski and Ji Yeon Kim, resulting in her overall professional record dropping to 12-5. On the other hand, Maverick’s victory earned her an equal MMA record of 12-5, and she has won five out of eight fights since she joined the UFC. She responded to Cachoeira’s messages, extending her wishes for Cachoeira’s family and well-being.