LAS VEGAS – Angela Hill remains on the hunt for a UFC championship belt.
A decade into her professional MMA career and nearing 40, Hill (17-13 MMA, 12-13 UFC) has not given up and is still determined on fighting for the UFC strawweight belt before it’s all said and done. This involves putting together a strong resume, so she can be worthy of the opportunity, and she’ll get to do that on Saturday when she takes on Tabatha Ricci in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 62.
“It’s going to take a lot of convincing for people to really get behind the fact that I could potentially fight for the belt eventually, despite my age or any wins and losses I have in the UFC,” Hill said. “It’s all a matter of putting together a strong portfolio in the last couple of years, and I think I’ve been able to do that.
“I’m just focusing on the fight ahead of me and making sure that every time I’m out there I’m focusing on the present and in the moment, and not thinking too far ahead.”
Hill (17-13 MMA, 12-13 UFC) is on a two-fight winning streak and 4-1 in her past five outings. She believes a win over Ricci (10-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) will do a lot for her title campaign. Getting the belt is the main goal for Hill, but she’s also not going to let that spoil what she’s already achieved in MMA.
“I’m just hoping I eventually get that shot,” Hill said. “If I don’t I think I’ll be able to retire pretty happy with what I’ve accomplished, but that’s the main goal, work my way to the top and see what happens.”
Hill has been working on her mentality and being present in the cage. Through that, she’s become a better fighter, and that’s given her plenty of confidence at this late stage in her career.
“I feel like I can beat anyone, it’s just a matter of coming in with the right mindset, training hard, and being ready that day,” Hill explained. I feel like I can do that with anyone, it’s just a matter of putting that on paper and actually showing up and doing what I think I can do.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 62.
