In a dramatic twist of fate, the esteemed former GLORY champion, Jady Menezes, has declared her triumphant return to the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), drawing profound inspiration from the enigmatic UFC phenomenon, Alex Pereira.
Menezes, hailed for her remarkable conquest of the GLORY super bantamweight (121 pounds) title back in 2018, is poised to reignite her MMA journey with an electrifying showdown against Gisela Luna at the highly anticipated UAE Warriors 48 event in the vibrant city of Balneario Camboriu, Brazil, scheduled for this upcoming Sunday. This momentous occasion marks Menezes’ much-awaited comeback to the MMA stage, marking her first foray into the sport since her last appearance in 2015.
Reflecting on her unexpected resurgence into the MMA realm, Menezes shared candidly, “I thought I’d closed the chapter on MMA for good, but life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.” With a hint of amusement, she continued, “I’ve attempted a comeback to MMA before, but it didn’t quite resonate with me. However, a change in team dynamics and the invaluable guidance of individuals whom I deeply admire have reignited my passion for the sport. It’s a revelation that has completely transformed my perspective on MMA, and I now find myself genuinely drawn to it.”
With an illustrious track record boasting a commendable 3-1 record in MMA and an impressive 14-4 tally in kickboxing, Menezes stands as a formidable force within the combat sports arena. However, she readily acknowledges the necessity of adapting her formidable kickboxing prowess to the multifaceted landscape of MMA after an extended hiatus spanning almost a decade. Holding a revered purple belt in jiu-jitsu, the 32-year-old striker finds solace and inspiration in the remarkable exploits of UFC light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, affectionately known as “Poatan,” considering him a source of inspiration and motivation for her ambitious foray into MMA.
“‘Poatan’ serves as a beacon of inspiration for me,” Menezes affirmed, her admiration for the former two-division GLORY champion palpable. “I’m an ardent admirer of his unparalleled skill and prowess within the octagon. He’s truly a phenomenon, an ‘alien’ in his own right.”
Despite juggling the demanding responsibilities of her role at a pet shop alongside rigorous training sessions, Menezes remains resolute in her pursuit of excellence within the MMA realm. Eager to carve a path towards financial stability and a transformative lifestyle, Menezes harbors lofty aspirations of making a resounding impact within the esteemed confines of the UFC, a dream shared by countless athletes across the globe.
“I’m driven by the desire to succeed, regardless of the arena,” she asserted with conviction. “But the UFC represents the pinnacle of achievement for every athlete, and it’s a dream that I fervently cherish.”
As anticipation continues to mount for her impending clash against Luna, Menezes finds herself already plotting her strategic maneuvers and future endeavors within the sport. While the upcoming bout will be contested at flyweight, Menezes harbors ambitions of transitioning to the strawweight division in the near future, a testament to her unwavering determination and insatiable hunger for success within the fiercely competitive MMA landscape.
“I anticipate that Luna will seek to engage in a striking exchange given her background,” Menezes speculated regarding her upcoming adversary. “However, should she attempt to transition to the ground game, it presents a prime opportunity for me to showcase the ferocity of my jiu-jitsu skills.”
With her gaze fixed firmly on the prize, Jady Menezes’s triumphant return to the MMA arena promises to be a spectacle brimming with passion, determination, and the indomitable spirit of a true warrior.
