All in Stride for Tamires Vidal

Perspective does not seem to be an issue for Tamires Vidal, a woman who takes the good with the bad and tries to learn from both.

“Tratora” will attempt to re-establish some solid footing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s bantamweight division when she puts Melissa Gatto to the test as part of the UFC Fight Night 241 undercard this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Vidal finds herself back at the drawing board after a split decision defeat to Montserrat Rendon in September. It was her first setback in more than four years and halted a run of six straight victories.

“The last fight didn’t have a good result, but I gained experience as a woman and as an athlete,” Vidal told Sherdog.com. “I’m very happy with that experience. I matured from it. I didn’t lament my loss. I was prepared, but I felt I wasn’t in that fight. I’m very determined, and I was born to win. God put me on this Earth with a purpose. I want to put on shows. I want to show who I am [and] show my brutal game, always moving forward.”

Gatto appears to have plateaued for the time being. She broke into the UFC with back-to-back wins over Victoria Leonardo and Sijara Eubanks, only to surrender the momentum in consecutive losses to Tracy Cortez and Ariane Lipski. Nevertheless, Gatto has her counterpart’s full attention.

“For this next fight, I want to impose my game even more, be very aggressive and put on a show,” Vidal said. “I’ve been training hard. I’m confident and determined. I know that it won’t be easy. It’s a tough opponent, and we’re both coming off losses. It will be a difficult fight. I’ll give everything I have. I’m betting on myself.”

Vidal operates out of the Macapa Fight Team camp in Brazil, where she trains under Benito Tavares Cavalcante, Bruno Mezenga and Andre Madiz.

“I’ve been learning a lot from my coaches,” she said. “These are the incredible people that God put in my path. I’m very thankful. I wish to remain in the UFC. We’re treated as professionals and human beings. I’m very happy to be here, representing my flag, my origins and the children of my community.”

Still just 25 years of age, Vidal can foresee a day when she transitions into more of a mentor role and gives back to a community that has given so much to her.

“I hope everyone gets to know me as a person [and] as an athlete. I’m happy,” she said. “I can hardly wait to do what I love: fighting. In the future, I wish to be an inspiration to youngsters who have their own dreams, whether it be in fighting or anywhere else.”