Motherhood Fuels Viviane Araujo's Fierce Drive for UFC Victory

Viviane Araujo’s career has taken on a new dimension as she steps into the octagon, not just as an athlete but as a mother. The birth of her daughter, Lua, has imbued her with a renewed sense of purpose and an unbreakable drive to succeed. This Saturday at UFC 317, she’ll face Tracy Cortez inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, driven by the inspiring motivation of motherhood.

A New Chapter Begins

Back in January, just two months after earning a decision victory over Karine Silva at UFC 309, Araujo and her wife, Catarina Lo Turco, welcomed their baby girl. Balancing training with parental duties came with its challenges; however, little Lua’s calm and steady demeanor has allowed Araujo to maintain her focus and dedication, readying herself for another pivotal bout in her career.

Strength Gained From New Responsibilities

According to MMA Fighting, the responsibilities of motherhood have bolstered not just Araujo’s maturity but her hunger to excel within the UFC. “Having Lua as a daughter, being her mother, kind of changes a lot of things,” Araujo shared. “You become more mature, you have more responsibilities, and I think that motivation comes to have you grow more in the organization.”

Strategy Meets Determination

Araujo is acutely aware of the challenge ahead against Cortez, who holds an impressive 5-0 record within the UFC and has displayed consistent tenacity. “She’s an athlete with a big name, especially in the United States, so it’s going to draw more eyeballs,” she stated. Yet, Araujo is ready, eyes fixed on a strategy crafted to exploit potential gaps in Cortez’s approach.

Grappling With Goals

While Cortez’s grappling skills are notable, Araujo is confident that her own blend of speed, explosiveness, and aggression will see her through. “We’re seeing some holes in her game,” Araujo said, brimming with confidence in her readiness to confront and conquer. Her goal? To secure a decisive win that could edge her closer to the top 5 in the division rankings.

Setting Sights on Rose Namajunas

Victory on the International Fight Week stage could catapult Araujo toward a much-anticipated bout with Rose Namajunas. “Rose beat Tracy, so I think it makes sense for me and for Rose,” she pondered. A strong performance could open the door for Araujo to climb higher within the division and potentially secure a matchup against Namajunas, further amplifying her standing—and setting up for a remarkable journey onward in the UFC.