Denise Gomes, a 25-year-old UFC strawweight, has evolved from relying solely on knockout power to becoming a more complete fighter after setbacks, focusing on intelligence and growth in her approach to the sport.
Denise Gomes, a 25-year-old strawweight, made waves in the UFC with back-to-back knockouts against Bruna Brasil and Yazmin Jauregui in 2023. The latter was a stunning 20-second finish. However, she faced a setback against veteran Angela Hill.
That loss shifted her perspective. Gomes bounced back with decision wins over Eduarda Moura and Karolina Kowalkiewicz, bringing her UFC record to 4-2 and 10-3 overall. She views her upcoming fight with Elise Reed on May 17 as a chance to grow further.
“I’m getting better, and I’m thinking about the future,” Gomes shared with MMA Fighting. She admitted she had heart but lacked maturity and intelligence. Fans thought she could have knocked out Kowalkiewicz, but she believes focusing solely on knockouts might have hindered her growth.
Elise Reed, a former Cage Fury strawweight champ, has had mixed results in the UFC. Her recent decision win over Jessica Penne improved her record to 4-4.
Gomes acknowledges her evolution but knows it’s a long journey. “These last couple of fights were very good for me because it gave me confidence,” she said. Her focus isn’t on money or rankings but on self-improvement.
MMA, being both sport and entertainment, poses challenges. Gomes understands that unexciting performances might hurt her brand but asks fans for patience. “It’s especially hard because of the boos,” she noted, emphasizing self-control.
In a “transition” from entertainer to well-rounded fighter, Gomes feels ready to claim her place as an MMA athlete. A win on Saturday could see her requesting a fight on the road, aiming for a broader audience.
“I’m showing that every time I fight, I’m not just a striker,” Gomes explained. Her motto? Aggressiveness with intelligence. She believes this mindset will set her apart at the top.
While she doesn’t underestimate Reed, Gomes is confident. “I don’t think [Reed] will last three rounds,” she said. Her instincts and intelligence drive her, but she wants more than just knockouts. Losses have taught her to adapt and strategize, knowing she has the means to finish her opponent.