“I have more fights left on my Invicta contract but don’t have anyone left to fight with me at my level in Invicta. My job in Invicta is done. I think it’s time for the UFC. I only need an opportunity to prove myself. That’s it… Now I need to go to the next step. I’ll wait for some opportunities in the big event, you know. I’m waiting for your call, Dana… I’m the f***ing strawweight Conor McGregor. I don’t look to the person. I only look at the numbers. I don’t see their faces. [Paige VanZant] is a great fighter. I don’t disrespect fighters in the UFC. She’s on another step above me, but I could win that fight easily.”
-Following a first round TKO win over DeAnna Bennett on Saturday night, Invicta FC Strawweight Champion Livia Renata Souza explained what she wants next in an interview with MMAFighting.com.
Penick’s Analysis: Souza seems to be the real deal right now, and she’d be a valuable addition to the UFC’s strawweight roster. She’s 9-0, she’s stopped eight of those opponents, seven of them by submission. She’s exciting, she’s extremely talented, and she’s got the right kind of attitude that could catch on to a wider audience if given the opportunity to shine. With more fights yet on her Invicta deal it might not happen right away, as they may want to get another fight out of her with them, but given their relationship with the UFC I wouldn’t expect them to be a major hang up. It’s more on whether or not the UFC wants to pull her up now or wait another fight or two. For her sake, hopefully she gets that opportunity sooner than later.
[Photo (c) Scott Hirano via Invicta FC]
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