Jacqueline Cavalcanti has two callouts after UFC Fight Night 251
LAS VEGAS – Jacqueline Cavalcanti beat Julia Avila with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 251 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Cavalcanti, whose win sent Avila into retirement – something she decided ahead of the fight.
Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila
Result: Jacqueline Cavalcanti def. Julia Avila via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Updated records: Cavalcanti (9-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), Avila (9-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC)
Key stats: Cavalcanti outstruck Avila 75-57. She was a 10-1 betting favorite.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Jacqueline Cavalcanti of Brazil punches Julia Avila in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on February 15, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Cavalcanti on the fight’s key moment
“The game plane for this fight was to control the distance. … I think she respected my hands. She didn’t come (formward too much). I tried to give 100 percent. I’m happy (with my striking), but I can do more. The next time I come back, I can do better. ”
Cavalcanti on her four-fight streak
“I think the key is hard work, and to have good mental (approach), good coaches, good training partners around – that’s the key.”
Cavalcanti on what she wants next
“I want to fight Miesha Tate or Karol Rosa. Karol Rosa is a very good girl, but she’s in my division. I want to fight everybody. I want (to be in the top 10). I worked for this.”
To hear more from Cavalcanti, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 251.