Dione Barbosa: Born Ready

For Dione Barbosa , a chance to step up on short notice and face a contender in her division is exactly the kind of opportunity for which a lifetime of combat sports experience has prepared her. Speaking with a sense of confidence that belies her mere nine professional MMA bouts, the 2012 Olympic judoka spoke to Sherdog about her upcoming fight with Miranda Maverick at UFC on ESPN 60 on Saturday, which was booked when Maverick’s original opponent, Tracy Cortez , was drafted to headline “UFC Denver” the week before. Barbosa professes to be pleased with her progress in the four years since she devoted herself fully to mixed martial arts.

“It was a long road, even though in numbers it seems short,” Barbosa said of her 7-2 record. “I've been fighting since I was 7 years old, and my MMA career is a projection of that. From my love and dedication to martial arts, I am happy with my results. The defeats have taught me a lot as well as the victories. They have pushed me closer and closer to my goals.”

With about a month to prepare for Maverick, Barbosa likes her chances in their fight, and predicts an entertaining scrap. “I think it will be a very active fight,” she said. “We’re both grapplers. I’ve watched her fights. They weren’t hard to find. Same as mine. This is the type of fight I want – against a girl with world experience and in the UFC too. Of course, everyone has holes in their game. Whoever best exploits the other’s weaknesses will win. It’s what I try to do in all my fights. It’s what I’m training to do. I expect to get my arm raised at the end, without a doubt. I’ll give my best. I know it’s short notice but I’m always training and getting ready for whatever comes. I’m feeling happy. I’ve been having good training sessions. I’m ready to give my best.”

Also contributing to her readiness for “UFC Vegas 94” is that she had already relocated to the promotion’s home base, though she still splits time between there and her native country. “It’s been good. I went to Brazil for some time to work on my boxing. I’m back. I live in Las Vegas now. I got booked with three weeks to go. I was already in Vegas. I’m just continuing my training with [striking coach] Matheus Naccache . I’m also working with jiu-jitsu practitioners from California, as well as wrestlers. Cris Cyborg will be with me. I’m very happy with my family and everyone who believes in me.”

While the “Witch” feels ready for her upcoming challenge, she resists the impulse to look any further down the road. “It’s hard to talk about the future. I’m only thinking about this fight in front of me right now. I’m thinking of winning and looking for bigger challenges. As I’ve stated before, my goal is to get into the top 15 within my first two years. This is a great opportunity. When it came across me, I didn’t think twice before I agreed. After this fight, we’ll figure out the next steps.”