Iasmin Lucindo prioritizing improvement of MMA game over picking next UFC opponent
LAS VEGAS – Iasmin Lucindo has no interest in matchmaking. She just wants to get better.
Lucindo (18-6 MMA, 5-2 UFC) picked up a dominant, unanimous decision win over former Invicta FC champion Angela Hill (18-15 MMA, 13-15 UFC) on the UFC on ESPN 72 main card Saturday at the UFC Apex. Many would see a main card spot and a win over a notable veteran as the perfect opportunity to make a callout for a high-profile name, but not Lucindo.
"As soon as I get back home, I'm going to get back working because this is the main thing I have to work on, is just to keep improving, and I know I have the time," Lucindo said at the UFC on ESPN 72 post-fight press conference. "Every fight that you see me, you're going to see a more improved version of myself. And about opponent? I don't have any preference. As long as I'm moving forward, I'm happy. I'll fight whoever the UFC wants, and whoever they want, I'm just going to take my time and keep improving."
At 23, Lucindo is one of the youngest fighters on the UFC roster. She's 5-1 in her past six UFC outings, with the only loss coming to former title challenger Amanda Lemos. The addition of Hill to her resume was a solid one for an already impressive run in the UFC.
"(She was) probably one of the most experienced opponents I've ever had," Lucindo said. "I did fight some experienced people here in the UFC, but I think Angela might be the most experienced one. Overall, I'm just really happy that I was able to show my work. I showed I have great striking, great grappling, and that I was able to get the takedowns whenever I wanted. I think it's a lot about that – just being able to put my work out there and show the organization what I'm capable of. This is of course all part of the work of my team and my support system, so I'm thankful for them."
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