Yahoo Movies Yazmin Jauregui flattered by hype, but refuses to let it affect her: ‘My work needs to speak for itself’
Yazmin Jauregui is grateful the MMA world took notice of her talent, but that’s as far she’s going to let her hype go.
The 23-year-old UFC strawweight prospect made her debut last Saturday at UFC on ESPN 41 in San Diego and it was clear it wasn’t any ordinary debut in the octagon.
The UFC placed Jauregui (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on the main card of the event and had her fight in the last bout before the main and co-main event fights. The Mexican fighter also received a good initial contract, better than the standard newcomer UFC deal, and even got a personal greeting from UFC president Dana White after her unanimous decision win over Iasmin Lucindo.
Jauregui is happy that both fans and the UFC are high on her ceiling, but she refuses to let that hype get to her head.
“Yeah, in many ways I do see it, but my work needs to speak for itself,” Jauregui told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I love what I do. I love being in the gym. I love training and fighting. The cage is mine, the cage is mine.
“So regardless of what the fans are saying or the contract, it’s based on the work and dedication that I have put in. So yeah, I’m very happy and thankful because many of you know, I’m a mother and I have someone that depends on me, someone I have to look out for. So, I’m happy that (the UFC) admires my work, and they reward me in that manner.”
Jauregui feels the support from fans after an impressive debut performance, but won’t rest on her first impression to the UFC audience.
“I don’t get caught up in that,” Jauregui said. “I’m just doing my job. Like I’ve said before, I’m taking things step by step. The public are in my favor and I adore that, and I’m very motivated by it, but I’m still doing my work little by little and that’s what’s important to me.”
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Jauregui is currently undefeated in her MMA career. She’s been competing since late 2018 and has notched now nine consecutive wins. Although this might be her first UFC fight, Jauregui is not shy to make her intentions known.
“Yeah, I think about (the UFC belt) because it’s a goal that I have set for myself,” Jauregui said. “I didn’t say it in the octagon because I don’t want to come off like, ‘I’m already going to be champion,’ you know what I mean?
“I want to remain grounded, but that’s one of the goals – that’s the goal. Right now, I see myself having two more fights, winning, then entering the rankings, winning, and like that. And at some point fight for the belt. That’s the biggest goal and that’s my dream.”
