Katlyn Chookagian understands divisional position before UFC 262, warns potential title challengers

HOUSTON – With five years under the UFC banner, Katlyn Chookagian has established herself as quite the perennial contender in the women’s flyweight division.

And while she came up short in a bid for the UFC title in February 2020, Chookagian said she’s still just as motivated as ever to stay busy and continue winning fights.

“Of course I enjoy a win,” Chookagian told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC 262 media day. “I enjoy a payday, as well. So yeah, anyone coming up – I’ll take a fight with anyone. Everyone knows that. I’m just trying to stay active, and any time there’s an opportunity, I’ll take it. I even told the matchmakers – I’m like, ‘If you need a replacement at 135, I’ll do that.’ Obviously flyweight is my main thing, but just so I can stay active.”

Chookagian (15-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) gets back to work at Saturday’s UFC 262 event, which airs on pay-per-view from the Toyota Center. She’ll take on Brazilian contender Viviane Araujo (10-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC), who doesn’t have nearly as much UFC experience as Chookagian but has turned some heads in her time thus far, already facing stalwarts such as Alexis Davis, Jessica Eye and Roxanne Modafferi, among others.

“She’s definitely very good,” Chookagian said of her opponent. “She’s only been in the UFC for a shorter amount of time, but all of her opponents were definitely really, really good and high-level opponents. I think that’s what kind of really sets her apart. She didn’t really go from the bottom of the division. She kind of came in and always had really good opponents, so getting wins over those are definitely very strong.”

The fight is meaningful in the division, as well. Chookagian checks in at No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s flyweight rankings, while Araujo is No. 12.

While she’s technically fighting down in the rankings, Chookagian said she enjoys the unique challenge a fight like that presents.

“Every fight, I’m super pumped and fired up,” Chookagian said. “Sometimes if it’s like a newcomer that they’re hyping up, it’s almost a little more motivating because I’m like, ‘All right, chill. I’ve been here for a while. You’ve got to go through me.'”

Chookagian will look to do exactly that against Araujo, who could generate some real buzz with a victory. Chookagian isn’t sure exactly what stakes are at hand with a win of her own. After all, second title chances are often pushed aside in favor of fresh contenders. But she knows if she stays on path, she’ll eventually get that opportunity.

“I’m super realistic on my position right now,” Chookagian said. “I think I’m kind of almost like, ‘If you beat Katlyn, then you can get a title shot’ type of thing. But I don’t care. If I keep winning, then I’ll get the title shot, which is obviously always the goal. But in the meantime, I understand my position, and I’ve got to just rack up a couple of wins. I’m ready for that.

“I just want to stay active. That’s the only way you get better and the way you can earn your next shot.”

To watch the full interview with Chookagian, check out the video above.