Bethe Correia
[4] While practicing Sanda, Correia concluded that fighting provided what had been "missing" in her life, and sought to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA).[1][4] Correia studied a number of techniques at the onset of her MMA career, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sanda, and Amateur Wrestling.[1][5] She made her professional MMA debut in her native Brazil in May 2012, defeating Daniela Maria da Silva by unanimous decision at the First Fight: Revelations show."[1] Correia made her promotional debut the following December as she faced MMA veteran Julie Kedzie at UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs.[10] Following her third consecutive win in the UFC, Correia was challenged by former Strikeforce bantamweight champions Sarah Kaufman and Miesha Tate.[12] She initially expressed interest in fighting Kaufman, but later stated that she was focused on getting a title shot against then-UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey.[16] Following UFC 190, Correia expressed interest in bouts with Miesha Tate and Jessica Eye, but claimed that both women had declined.[19] In April 2016, Correia fought Raquel Pennington at UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans, losing via split decision.[35] Due to the event being relocated to the United States, Correia being unable to compete due to visa issues:[36] However, on April 9, Dana White, the president of UFC announced that this event was postponed to a future date[37] The bout eventually took place on July 26, 2020, at UFC on ESPN 14.[41] Subsequently, Correia was forced to pull out of the bout in early January after undergoing surgery to remove her appendix.