Jacqueline Cavalcanti Remains Confident Despite Controversial Scorecards
UFC fighter Jacqueline Cavalcanti secured a hard-fought victory at UFC on ESPN 62, but the decision wasn’t without its drama. The split decision win over Josiane Nunes left Cavalcanti bewildered by one judge’s scorecard, which inexplicably awarded every round to her opponent. Despite the scoring controversy, Cavalcanti’s focus remains on her upward trajectory in the bantamweight division.
A Disputed Scorecard Leaves Cavalcanti Questioning
The atmosphere in the arena shifted when the judges‘ scorecards were read, revealing a stark divergence of opinion. While two judges saw the fight in favor of Cavalcanti, awarding her two and three rounds respectively, one judge’s card was a complete outlier, scoring all three rounds for Josiane Nunes. Cavalcanti herself expressed her disbelief, questioning if the judge was watching the same fight. „I thought, ‚Oh my gosh. Was this guy watching the fight?'“ she stated, clearly perplexed by the scoring. The sentiment was that she had done enough to win at least two, if not all three, rounds, making the dissenting scorecard a baffling anomaly.
The Importance of a Win, Regardless of Circumstance
Despite the unsettling nature of the split decision, the victory itself is paramount for Cavalcanti’s burgeoning UFC career. A win, even a controversial one, propels her forward in the competitive bantamweight rankings, potentially bringing her closer to facing higher-profile opponents. This win solidifies her perfect 2-0 record within the UFC, a significant milestone for any fighter starting their journey with the promotion. While a more definitive win would have been preferable, Cavalcanti understands that in MMA, a win is a win, and it’s the result that ultimately matters for career progression. She’s now on the radar, and that’s a crucial step.
Looking Ahead to Future Opportunities and Title Aspirations
Having signed with the UFC in mid-2023, Cavalcanti is eager to increase her fight frequency and climb the ranks. With two fights already under her belt, she aims to compete at least twice more this year, staying active and continuously improving. Her ultimate goal is clear to challenge for a UFC championship. Cavalcanti is driven and ready for whatever comes next, expressing pride in her performance and the support of her team. Regardless of who her next opponent may be, she is prepared to step into the Octagon and continue her pursuit of championship gold, demonstrating a level of confidence and ambition that bodes well for her future in the sport.
