Jacqueline Cavalcanti is ready to make her mark in the UFC, and she’s not holding back. The rising bantamweight star, who has called Las Vegas home for the past three years, is eyeing a spot in the coveted Top 5 after an impressive start to her career. With a perfect record of 5-0, Cavalcanti is on the brink of something big.
Reflecting on her journey, the 28-year-old Portuguese fighter shared, “When I first moved to Las Vegas, I didn’t know anyone. But now, after three years, I’ve built a great team and made wonderful friends. The Performance Institute has been a huge help in my development.”
Cavalcanti’s rise through the ranks is not just talk; her performances speak for themselves. After kicking off 2025 with a victory over Julia Avila, she capped off the year with a unanimous decision win against former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva. This latest victory has fueled her ambitions. “A win against Mayra is another step. I think everything has changed a little bit, step by step. My goal is now the title,” she stated confidently.
This Saturday, Cavalcanti faces a significant challenge in Ketlen Vieira, a seasoned fighter with a wealth of experience in the Octagon. Vieira, who has been a staple in the division, has fought some of the toughest competitors, including former champions. Despite her mixed record, her skill set is formidable, and Cavalcanti is well aware of the challenge ahead.
“She has very good jiu-jitsu, takedowns, and striking; she’s a complete fighter,” Cavalcanti acknowledged. Yet, she remains undeterred, drawing on her own extensive experience prior to joining the UFC. “For me, she’s just another opponent. I need to win and take another step forward,” she added.
As fight day approaches, Cavalcanti is eager to showcase her skills, particularly her striking. “I want to show everybody a little bit more of my skills, especially my striking. After they feel my hands, they will want to shoot on me,” she joked, hinting at her strategy for the fight.
A victory over Vieira would not only extend Cavalcanti’s unbeaten streak to 6-0 but also likely propel her into the Top 5 rankings, a goal she is clearly passionate about. “After Ketlen, I want to fight the Top 1 or Top 2. I’m ready for those girls,” she declared, expressing her desire to face off against top contenders like Raquel Pennington or Julianna Peña.
Cavalcanti is determined to make her presence felt in the division, and she’s not shy about her ambitions. “I want the Top 1, Top 2, Top 3. I don’t care; I want the Top 5!” she exclaimed, emphasizing her readiness to take on the best.
As the anticipation builds for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, fans are left wondering how this rising star will fare against a veteran like Vieira. Will Cavalcanti’s ambition and skill be enough to secure her place among the elite?
Source: https://www.ufc.com/news/jacqueline-cavalcanti-im-ready-top-5-ufc-vegas-117
