Mayra Aguiar reveals interest in MMA after judo

Mayra Aguiar, the current World Champion in U78kg, has a bronze medal from the 2012 Olympic Games, a silver and two other bronzes in the World Championships. However, she has a rivalry that goes way back to the 2007 Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro when she was only 15 and lost twice to then 20 year old Ronda Rousey.

Now, at 23, Mayra revealed to Globo Esporte that she enjoys MMA and watches Rousey fight when she can.  Although her main focus is still Judo, she would consider taking up MMA if the opportunity arises. Furthermore, she might even take some tips from the UFC champion if it ever comes to that.

"I like MMA and I think it's cool, but I have to train to see how it is. I don't know I'll know how to punch someone in the face or be punched in the face. I have never been punched in the face in my life, so I have to see if it would work or not. If I decide to really do MMA, I will talk to Ronda to get some tips."

Even though Ronda defeated her twice in the past, Mayra reveals she still cheers for her and will be watching her fight against Bethe Correia this Saturday.

"I'll watch the fight at home, I think it's really cool. She was always really strong and really good on the ground. She took a lot of her judo game to MMA, which favored her a lot in the UFC. We don't really talk, but I really root for her."