LFA flyweight champion Shannon Clark will defend her title for the second time when she takes on Beatriz Consuli in enemy territory on November 7 in Brazil.
It’s unusual for a champion to enter the challenger’s backyard, but Clark didn’t hesitate. She even admitted that she didn’t even realize this was unusual.
“I actually didn’t know that, it wasn’t normal that people wouldn’t travel to other countries as champions. I didn’t know that,” Clark told Cageside Press.
“We tried to argue here for a while, and they offered me this. What really killed me was having to be away from my kids for a week. That’s what I thought about it: I don’t know if I can do that.”
Clark (6-1) didn’t have to think twice about accepting a title defense in Brazil. The only surprise came next, when others pointed out how unusual it was for a reigning champion to venture into enemy territory.
“That was the only hesitation for that side, but fighting-wise I was okay with it. It doesn’t matter where I go,” she said.
“When I said yes and they said ‘are you sure?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t understand why you’re asking me if I’m sure.’ It’s not normal for champion. I am an athlete. It shouldn’t matter. I just never thought about that, that’s not normal.”
Clark opened up about the challenges she faced during her previous outing and admitted that her mindset just wasn’t where it needed to be. The LFA flyweight champion said the mental toll leading up to that fight left her feeling different from herself in the cage.
“The last fight I wasn’t myself. I was, but it wasn’t. I was in the Contenders (DWCS), I was being chased. My mental side leading up to that fight wasn’t good at all. That was probably the lowest I’ve ever been mentally,” she said.
“That showed in my fight, and that’s one thing I’ll always say: I’m not saying she’s a better fighter than me and I’m not saying she’s worse, but she didn’t beat my better version. I’ll respect it, and that’s something I’ll always have to eat.”
Clark explained that her fight against Cheyanne Bowers earlier this year was both a mental and physical test. After struggling with self-confidence and focus in the past, she chose to keep the fight largely private and use it as an opportunity to prove something to herself instead of anyone else.
“When I fought Chey in January, I didn’t tell anyone I was fighting. There were maybe three or four people who actually knew. It was more that I had to prove to myself that I understand my mental side and it was more of a mental game for me,” she said.
“I had to learn to be calm. The whole fight was not who I am, and I would never fight like that again where I just felt like defense. There were moments where we weren’t, but it wasn’t who I am.”
Looking ahead to her upcoming title defense, Clark made it clear that fans will see a very different version of her this time around. She said she has found the balance between calmness and aggression, and she doesn’t plan to hold back again.
“This fight you can expect, I won’t be like that. I don’t think I have that in me. I proved to myself that I know how to be patient and calm. To be honest, that almost cost me a fight,” Clark said.
Clark couldn’t resist joking when the topic of her future came up, showing the playful confidence that has made her a fan favorite. Laughing, she delivered a message straight to the UFC brass. One that perfectly captured her competitive edge and sense of humor.
“I’m going to pretend to be cocky here because this is what I was told to say,” Clark said with a laugh.
“Hey, like, ‘Hey Dana, are you going to pick me yet?’ If not, I’ll keep taking down all your contenders you want to pick up until you pick me!
Watch the full interview with Shannon Clark above. She defends her LFA flyweight title against Beatriz Consuli at LFA 221 on Friday night.
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