Jennifer Maia had a tough fight with UFC flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko last year. She was able to get a title shot after getting a short-notice win over Joanna Wood.

Fighting Valentina Shevchenko is a very tough task for any woman in the UFC flyweight division. Jennifer Maia still found the positive from the loss.

“Of course I was very sad when I lost the fight, but after watching the fight, I could see that I did a very good fight against one of the best female fighters ever,” Maia told MMA Junkie through an interpreter at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 32 media day. “So that’s what motivated me to start over and keep on track. I think fighting Valentina made me realize I am a more mature fighter now. I have a lot of things that I was not able to show yet, so I’m really, really looking at this in a different way.”

Jennifer Maia still has big plans to become UFC champion in the future. She finds motivation through building her way back up the division.

“I love what I do, and I love the process,” Maia said. “I love to cut weight and I love to train. I love the training camp. I love every step of the way so that’s what motivates me to be here and fight for my dream, and that’s to be the champion of the UFC.”

Jennifer Maia is currently set to fight Katlyn Chookagian UFC on ESPN 32. She'll be looking to get herself back in the title hunt with a big win.