Viviane Araujo eyes PFL title shot with Carmouche win at San Diego

Viviane Araujo knows a win over Liz Carmouche at PFL San Diego on Saturday would likely put her in line for a championship bout.

The former UFC flyweight contender meets Carmouche — the promotion's most recent tournament winner at 125 pounds — in a June 27 clash that carries major implications despite no belt being at stake. Carmouche brings a 12-1 record since 2020 and owns wins over Jessica Andrade and Valentina Shevchenko across a 16-year career.

Araujo praises Carmouche ahead of San Diego clash

Speaking to Sherdog in Portuguese, Araujo praised her opponent's résumé. "She's a very experienced athlete," Araujo said. "She's proven repeatedly that she belongs at the top. She's a complete fighter. She's strong and has a ton of experience in the cage."

The Brazilian, who spent six years inside the octagon before joining the PFL in April, prepared at Cerrado MMA in Brasilia alongside the likes of Vicente Luque and the Bonfim brothers. Her camp emphasized strategy and technical refinement alongside the usual striking and grappling work.

Araujo told Sherdog her ultimate goal is to capture the PFL belt and remain active at the top level for several more years. "My objective is to have my hand raised at the end, no matter how," she said. "It can be a knockout, submission, or decision."

PFL San Diego streams live on ESPN 2 beginning at 7 p.m. ET.

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• Sherdog — PFL San Diego’s Viviane Araujo targets title shot with a win over Liz Carmouche