Mixed martial artists Maria Rios (2-2) will have a major opportunity in front of the nation under the Bellator promotion, but she’s making sure her last fights are scratched from her head.
Rios faces Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (1-0) part of the Bellator 144 fight card in California. It will be televised on Spike TV at 9 p.m. Both will be making their debut for the company.
The young fighter’s last two fights were defeats. She lost her fights in February and April. She said the weight cut became an issue. It was challenging making 115 lbs. But this time around she is focused on her training camp and everything else it offers.
“I’ve been focusing on myself and not letting any outside disturbances in last time it was disappoint,” she said. “I had to make the weight cut. I am a lot stronger at this weight. I am feeling confident and feeling good.”
Rios started MMA thanks to taking a class in jiu jitsu and later falling in love with it. Soon after, her coach offered her a fight and the rest is history.
Hear her interview below.
Meanwhile, MacFarlane made a name for herself after her debut professional fight went viral when she took on an opponent, who seemed had little experience. Her opponent was coined “soccer mom”. MacFarlane finished her opponent quickly.
“At first I read an article about it. But when you watch it I thought it was a joke because that other lady didn’t seem like she was prepared. It seemed like a hoax, but it wasn’t,” she said.
Rios said MacFarlane is a strong grappler.
“She’s a great grappler and great on the clinch,” she said. “But that’s where I am at my best.”
Hear the complete interview, now!
