Priscila Cachoeira’s Noble Cause

Priscila Cachoeira wants to use the platform the Ultimate Fighting Championship provides to make a difference beyond the sport of mixed martial arts. Her cause hits close to home.

“Depending on my financial situation, I’d like to open a facility where I can help drug addicts,” Cachoeira told Sherdog.com. “Every week, it seems, I receive news that a friend of mine died, from the time I used to be a user. I can’t stand knowing that they keep dying from overdoses. I want to help them and get them out of that situation.”

The 36-year-old Brazilian bantamweight could earn her next moment in the spotlight when she takes on countrywoman Josiane Nunes as part of the UFC Fight Night 254 undercard this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. There, “Zombie Girl” seeks her first win in well over two years. Cachoeira’s motivations run deeper.

“I want to get on the microphone and ask the entire world to pitch in so we can help these sick people and get them out of their situation,” she said. “I want to bring them help. I don’t want them to be forgotten. I fight for them, and I will help them.”

Nunes, 31, does not figure to step aside quietly, no matter the circumstances. The Striker’s House rep enters the match on the heels of consecutive decision losses to Chelsea Chandler and Jacqueline Cavalcanti. In 13 professional appearances, Nunes has never been finished. Cachoeira welcomes the thought of a potential barnburner.

“What I most want is for us to score a bonus,” she said. “Josiane’s a warrior. She deserves to be in the UFC. She’s gutsy. I like to see that. I like her work. I have nothing against her, just the opposite. I truly admire Josiane’s work. I’m confident we’ll put on a show in the cage.”

Cachoeira, who trained previously at Parana Vale Tudo, now operates out of the MMA Masters camp in Miami, where coaches Cesar Carneiro and Daniel Valverde have been entrusted with overseeing her development at 135 pounds.

“I’m confident I’ll be able to fully demonstrate the good work we’ve put in,” she said. “I’m confident that everyone will see me as more focused and well-prepared against Josiane.”

Cachoeira heads into her latest test on the rebound, having suffered back-to-back defeats since her stunning 65-second technical knockout of former Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki champion Ariane Lipski. The Rio de Janeiro native last competed at UFC 297, where she submitted to an anaconda choke from Canadian flyweight contender Jasmine Jasudavicius in the third round of their Jan. 20, 2024 confrontation.

“I knew she would be a bad matchup for me,” Cachoeira said. “I went to Canada to face her. No one else wanted to accept that challenge. I knew it would be difficult. Ultimately, a period of losses is a great opportunity to make corrections and adjustments. We evolve not only as fighters but as people.”

That evolution takes on a new sense of urgency when Cachoeira meets Nunes, as it marks the final fight on her current deal with the UFC. Another setback could jeopardize her spot on the roster.

“My plan is to renew my contract,” Cachoeira said. “I want to keep fighting for as long as my body allows. It’s what I love to do. It’s my life.”