Jennifer Maia: ‘Everything Running According to Plan’ Ahead of UFC 255 Title Shot

As the most important fight of her career approaches, Jennifer Maia spoke to Sherdog.com about her final weeks of preparation for her upcoming fight against flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC 255 co-main event.

With victories in three of her last four Octagon appearances, the former Invicta FC title holder is optimistic about her chances against “Bullet.”

“This has been the best camp of my life. Everything is running according with our plans,” Maia said. “Valentina never makes mistakes during the fight, so I don’t see she changing her usual strategy against myself. My main focus will be to impose my rhythm and not let her get comfortable in any moment of the fight.”

Maia also praised former opponent Jessica Andrade, who made her 125-pound debut last weekend with a first-round TKO of Katlyn Chookagian in the UFC Fight Night 180 co-headliner. The Parana, Brazil, native previously defeated Andrade via unanimous decision at Samurai FC 9 “Water vs. Fire” on Dec. 15, 2012.

“Definitely Jessica had a great fight, and I´m sure she is coming to bring emotion to our flyweight division. Even though I’d rather face non-Brazilians, I don’t see any problem to face her again,” Maia said. “But now my focus is 100 percent on the fight against Valentina.”

UFC 255 takes place on Nov. 21 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and is headlined by a men’s flyweight championship clash between Deiveson Figueiredo and Alex Perez.