Jacqueline Cavalcanti is set to face off against Michelle Montague at the UFC Qatar event on November 21. This matchup showcases two highly ranked bantamweights eager to solidify their positions in the UFC. The fight will take place at the ABHA Arena in Al Rayyan, promising an exciting addition to the already packed card.
Major Showdown for Rankings
Cavalcanti, who currently holds the No. 8 ranking in the UFC Media rankings and sits at No. 7 in the Meta rankings, is determined to defend her top-10 status against Montague. The latter, meanwhile, ranks No. 12 in the Media rankings and No. 8 in Meta. According to reports from various sources, including Heavy.com, both fighters are looking to climb further up the bantamweight ladder.
A Brazilian by birth but representing Portugal in the octagon, Jacqueline Cavalcanti fought her way to the UFC after clinching the LFA title. She began her professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) career in 2018 and quickly made an impact by achieving a 4-1 record in her initial fights. Her remarkable journey continued when she secured a unanimous decision victory over Melissa Croden for the LFA title. Shortly after, Cavalcanti made her UFC debut, winning against Zarah Fairn in just her second fight.
Cavalcanti’s Recent Challenges
Cavalcanti’s ascent within the UFC seemed swift after defeating competitors like Josiane Nunes and Nora Cornolle, all the while establishing herself in the top 15 of the bantamweight division. Her momentum, however, faced a setback with a recent loss to Ketlen Vieira via unanimous decision. Now, Cavalcanti aims to rebound and showcase her skills against Montague in Qatar, eager to reclaim her momentum and right the course of her career.
Montague, at the age of 35, rivals Cavalcanti’s experience but has a relatively fresher presence in the UFC, having signed with the promotion last year. As the first female fighter from New Zealand to join the UFC, she brings a unique flair to the competition. An accomplished amateur fighter for seven years, Montague transitioned to professional bouts in 2022 and quickly made a name for herself in the Professional Fighters League (PFL), where she maintained an impressive record of six victories without a loss—all secured through rear-naked choke finishes.
The Path Ahead
After securing her place in the UFC, Montague clinched a unanimous decision victory during her debut against Luana Carolina, marking a key milestone in her professional career. She continued her winning streak earlier this year by defeating former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva. With an unblemished record and her sights firmly set on a victory over Cavalcanti, Montague stands on the cusp of breaking into the bantamweight division’s top 10.
The UFC Qatar event features an array of exciting matchups, including showdowns like Jiri Prochazka against Navajo Stirling and Aljamain Sterling versus Kevin Vallejos. With the stakes high for both Cavalcanti and Montague, their bout promises not only to be a thrilling spectacle but also a pivotal moment in each fighter’s career. As the fight approaches, fans eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes clash within one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.