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LAS VEGAS – Josefine Knutsson beat Marnic Mann with a unanimous decision Saturday to open up the preliminary card at Noche UFC at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Knutsson, who was dominant in her UFC debut against a short-notice fellow debutante.
Knutsson on the fight’s key moment
Sep 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Josefine Knutsson (red gloves) fights Marnic Mann (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“I think it’s all about me – what I have to improve. It doesn’t matter who I have in front of me. When I got this opportunity two weeks ago, it was like, of course I’m going to take this opportunity. I never backed down. I know that being a part of UFC will only make me an even better fighter because I love challenges, and I’m going to show UFC new sides of me all the time.
“I’ve got to give her that: She’s tough. I knew it got to her a little bit. She also tried to mentally show me that it didn’t hurt, but I could feel that my techniques touched her. I’ve got to give it to her that she was tough to take it and at least continue.”
Knutsson on being in the gym with Khamzat Chimaev
Sep 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Kevin Holland (blue gloves) during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
“It’s UFC and everything can happen, so you have to stay ready. I’ve seen it with the fighters we have in our gym, Khamzat Chimaev. You’ve got to show you’re hungry and show what you want to do. This is my passion and this is my life, and I waited for it for a long time. We just go for it.
“… Watching him training, it’s a big motivation for me. Obviously I’m not training with him – of course not. But we’re training side by side, and I learn a lot from him on the mat. I look up to him as a fighter. He’s really something special. He’s one of a kind.”
Knutsson on what she wants next
Sep 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Josefine Knutsson (red gloves) prepares to fight Marnic Mann (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
“I’m a fighter, and I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I’m just going to stay ready for whatever opportunity shows up for me. I’m not going to turn down (anyone). I want to have more fights. I have to be realistic, but I feel like my body, my mindset, everything is perfect, and I just want to have more fights.”
To hear more from Knutsson, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Noche UFC.