D. Barbosa performs this Saturday (16) at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dionebarbosamma
This Saturday (16th), the UFC 319 can change the lives of a number of athletes spread across different weight classes. In addition to being a great opportunity for names like Carlos Prates e Khamzat Shimaev, the event can also be the consecration of Dione Barbosa. The flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) faces Karina Silva in the preliminary card and in case of victory, she could become the newest Brazilian representative in the category ranking.
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Thus, in an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS, the Brazilian spoke about her preparation for the duel and her expectations for the future in the Ultimate.
The circumstances surrounding the only all-Brazilian fight of the night were specific. Karine was scheduled to face the American JJ Aldrich, who withdrew from the fight due to injury at the end of last month. Even with just over two weeks to prepare, Dione accepted the offer to share the octagon with the 11th-ranked flyweight (up to 56,7 kg). Regarding the negotiations for the fight, the Pernambuco native assured that she had no problems accepting the challenge, but also managed to renegotiate her contract.
"I woke up to a call from my manager explaining Aldrich's injury and the conditions of the fight, which would be in two weeks against the 11th-ranked fighter. I said I'd accept but would inform my coach first. He said everything was fine, and from then on we began renegotiating my contract. I heard that other athletes had turned down Karine. I don't understand that. Isn't your job to fight?" he asked.
Dione Barbosa comes from a victory against Diana Belbiţă. Instagram UFC
Even though the fight is scheduled at short notice, it's undeniable that the two fighters aren't already familiar with each other. In fact, this will be their second meeting. In 2019, Dione faced Karine in her third professional fight at Katana Fight 9. She won by unanimous decision. Even with the past record in her favor, the fighter didn't seem attached to the result of their first fight, which was in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg).
"I believe we're two completely different athletes from five years ago. The victory is there, that's what we can take from it. But that chapter is closed, and now it's time to write a new story. A lot has happened since then. I've evolved, and so has she. We've shared the octagon in the past, but this is a new story, and we're going to fight for three rounds. I'm ready for it," said Dione.
56,9 kg ⚖️ for the Brazilian Dione Barbosa at the official weigh-in #UFC319!
[ Saturday (16) | 19pm | Watch live on @UFCFightPassBR | Subscribe now: https://t.co/OD62F561g5 ] pic.twitter.com/ROuKSLoET2
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) August 15, 2025
Dione Barbosa is not thinking about fighting at UFC Rio
UFC returns to Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Brazil
With the official announcement of the return of the world's largest MMA organization to Brazil, several athletes have expressed their desire to fight in Rio de Janeiro on October 11th. For Dione, it would be her second opportunity to fight at home, as her UFC debut was in the Marvelous City. Despite confessing her interest in the event, the Pernambuco native was honest in admitting that she doesn't believe she'll be part of the card.
"I'm not thinking about that right now. I'm very realistic. I saw the number of girls already on the card and I'm aware of the UFC's difficulty in putting together many women's fights on the same card, especially since I'm fighting at the last minute. But if I get the opportunity, I'll take it. I loved fighting in Brazil; it's an experience every Brazilian athlete should have. It was very special, so if there's a spot for me, I'll be ready," she concluded.
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