In hindsight, Denise Gomes’ story thus far has been one of learning from adversity and coming back stronger. From her first professional bout—where, as a raw 17-year-old, she was stopped by Gisele Moreira, a naturally larger 10-fight veteran who was twice her age—to her Ultimate Fighting Championship debut last year, where she struggled in a decision loss to Konklak “Loma Lookboonmee” Suphisara, Gomes has a history of turning frustration into success.
As she prepares to face former Invicta Fighting Championships strawweight queen Angela Hill (15-13) in an undercard attraction at UFC Fight Night 231 on Saturday in Sao Paulo, the now 23-year-old Gomes (8-2) recognizes the pattern in her own career and looks back on it with gratitude rather than regret.