Faria path to UFC goes through Damm at Titan FC 41 on Friday

Kalindra Faria lost to Carina Damm in just her third fight, at Brazil’s X-Combat Ultra MMA on September 20, 2009. Faria won the rematch four years later at MMA Super Heroes 1 on July 13, 2013.

Now the pair will meet for a trilogy fight in the main event of Titan FC 41 on Friday Sep 9, at Bank United Center, in Coral Gables, Florida.

We already fought twice and we’re tied 1-1, said Faria to Fernanda Prates and Christian Stein for MMAjunkie. We fought once in the state of Espirito Santo, her home [X-Combat Ultra MMA]. Then we fought in Sao Paulo, my home [MMA Super Heroes 1]. Now we’re fighting internationally, on neutral ground. It’s cool. We already know each other. We’ve been at war for a long time. And what fighter doesn’t want to be in a major organization? Our experience and rivalry will make for an excellent fight.

I think the fans can expect a high-paced fight since neither one of us wants to lose, especially since this is our third fight. The first time I faced her, I was very inexperienced. After that loss, I had several fights and was able to win our second encounter. I always look to exceed my limits. This is another opportunity to do so.

The fight will be at bantamweight rather than her usual 125, which has its perks.

I’m enjoying not having to diet, said Faria. I’m not sure how I’ll do in this weight class, but I’m feeling very strong. I’m training well and eating well. We had a lot of options, and ended up going for 135 pounds. It’s a very visible weight class. Now, I’ll be fighting in Titan, which has had so many events, and I’ll be on the main event. I’m very happy. I’m a fighter. I love fighting, regardless of weight class. We’re going to put on a show.

I’m confident. I feel everything will work out. I was going to stay at that weight, and try to get into the UFC, but when this opportunity at Titan came up, I didn’t think twice about it. Once I found out it was for the belt, I loved the idea even more.

I aim to be among the best fighters, in the best organizations. All fighters want to be in the UFC, and Titan is a way into the UFC. But for now, I’m only thinking about being victorious in this next fight.

Titan FC 41 will air live on UFC Fight Pass.