Bethe Correia Considered Not Fighting Against Sijara Eubanks at UFC Mexico City

It seems like an eternity ago that Bethe Correia was an undefeated contender standing opposite Ronda Rousey for the UFC bantamweight title. For the 36-year-old Brazilian, it likely feels even longer.

Prior to UFC Fight Night 159, it had been almost three years since “Pitbull” bested Jessica Eye via split decision in September 2016 after losing back-to-back fights. Since then, she battle Marion Reneao to a draw before losing another pair of bouts to Holly Holm and Irene Aldana. But on Saturday in Mexico City, Correia rallied from nearly being topped in the first round to edge Sijara Eubanks via unanimous decision.

To say a massive weight was lifted from her shoulders would be an understatement.

  “I didn’t even remember anymore how it felt getting my arm raised,” she said following her win at UFC Fight Night 159. “People were pushing me. I was already feeling bad, not knowing if I could do it again or not, but today I saw that I'm still fine, I still have a lot to give.”

It’s been a tumultuous road these past few years for the colorful Brazilian. Losses, struggles in camp, health problems and other personal problems led to her pondering walking away from MMA because heavy bouts of doubt clouded her vision and goals.

“I come from a very difficult season in my career, many ups and downs, health problems,” she said. “This camp was very difficult too, I had other issues. I fought so hard, I wanted so much to fight. Now I just want to get some rest and come back even stronger.”

Correia revealed after her win that she almost didn’t compete on Saturday, that she debated on pulling herself off the card.

  “It was very complicated,” she revealed. “During my weight recovery today, I got sick. I got here not afraid of the fight itself, but afraid of how my body might respond. I got scared of myself. I thought about not fighting at this event, but I was decided and went beyond my strength.”

Eubanks fought incredibly well in the opening frame. She landed several stinging punches on Correia’s face and late in the stanza, she took the Brazilian down. “Pitbull” was pinned against the cage and, with about 30 seconds left on the clock, “Sarj” began slamming punches onto Correia’s head. Had there been anymore time left in the first, it’s plausible that Eubanks would have scored a TKO. But time betrayed Eubanks, Correia survived the onslaught and eventually turned the tables.

“I came in to do my best, give all I have,” she said. “Right in the beginning she took me down and put pressure against the cage. I got a little lost, but between rounds my coach Edelson told me she had felt my hand and told me to trust in my hand power and that Sijara was not going to take me down again. So, I was more confident in my striking, of not letting her take me to the ground, where I was having a hard time, and it worked out.”