Some mixed martial artists are slowed by setbacks. Dione Barbosa seems almost emboldened by them.
“The Witch” will attempt to strengthen her position in the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s flyweight division when she faces Diana Belbita in a featured UFC on ESPN 65 prelim this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Barbosa signed with the company off a successful appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023. She holds a 1-1 record inside the Octagon but stumbled in her most recent assignment at UFC on ESPN 60, where she filled in as a short-notice replacement for Tracy Cortez and lost a unanimous decision to Miranda Maverick in July.