Angela Hill might be 40, but she still thinks her most glorious MMA moments still are on the horizon.
Longtime octagon veteran Hill (18-14 MMA, 13-14 UFC) will take on 23-year-old Iasmin Lucindo (17-6 MMA, 4-2 UFC) on Saturday at UFC on ESPN 72, which takes place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas (ESPN, ESPN+).
With three victories in her past four fights, Hill sees herself on an upward trajectory in the strawweight division. She has no thoughts about retirement, and argues that beating a promising prospect who is 17 years her junior would be a statement about where she fits in the weight class.
“I think I’ve really expanded the idea of what the window could be,” Hill told MMA Junkie Radio. “I think just keeping that momentum going and see how long I can push it, see how good I can get, how high I can climb. I’m motivated by the close decisions I’ve lost because I feel like in an alternate universe, I would’ve fought for the belt by now.
“It’s more so the motivation of showing the potential I have before it’s too late. That drives me every time I get in there. Now that I’ve been in the top 15 for a few years, I know I’m right there.”
Lucindo has had a quick rise through the 115-pound division, already racking up wins over former title challenger Karolina Kowalkiewicz and longtime contender Marina Rodriguez.
The Brazilian is coming off a setback against Amanda Lemos at UFC 313 in March, and although Hill also has a loss to Lemos, she said it was much more competitive.
Hill is not relying on MMA math to get the job done, but she sees vulnerabilities in Lucindo’s game, and intends to take advantage.
“If I’m fighting someone that likes to stand and bang, I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, we’re going to get that money,'” Hill said. “It’s also nice because there’s more opportunities to take advantage of someone with less experience. I feel like with her, because she’s a little wild, because she comes in swinging wide and tries to throw big, there’s moments where I can capitalize on that. I’m definitely excited.”
