Sijara Eubanks Targets Flyweight Title Shot, Montano-Shevchenko Winner for Next UFC Bout

It took a while to get there, but Sijara Eubanks’ Octagon debut was worth the wait.

The would-be “Ultimate Fighter 26” finalist took a unanimous decision win over Lauren Murphy at UFC Fight Night 131 in Utica, N.Y., on Friday night. The victory came some six months after Eubanks was originally scheduled to make her debut at the “TUF 26” finale before a disastrous weight cut forced her off the card.

While Eubanks missed out on a chance to become the promotion’s inaugural flyweight queen, the overall learning experience might have been more valuable in the long run.

“I’ve said over and over again that missing that weight in December was the best thing for my career. I had to take myself very seriously after that,” Eubanks said. “I thought I was a professional fighter up to that point but there were gaps and holes in my game. I was lacking discipline, conditioning, nutrition and it forced me to take a long, hard look at that stuff. I went out to the UFC Performance Institute and worked with Clint [Wattenburg], Duncan [French], Forrest [Griffin] and all the great guys out there and they were able to test my body and really see how I burn calories and how I fuel my body.

I learned a hell of a lot and as you saw [Friday], it made me a better fighter. I think I’m in the best shape of my life and it’s just going to get better.”

The women’s flyweight division is still very much in its growing stages, and when factoring in Eubanks’ three exhibition victories on the reality show, it appears that the Maryland native could already be one of the top contenders for a title shot.

Of course, Eubanks will likely have to wait for reigning 125-pound champion Nicco Montano to make her first title defense against No. 1 contender-in-waiting Valentina Shevchenko. After that, “Sarj” doesn’t see why she shouldn’t be next in line.

“I know Valentina and Nicco are slated to fight soon. I’m not sure what Nicco is doing right now, but I’m not sure who else is ahead of me right now,” Eubanks said. “The rest of the division is like the wild, wild west right now. Everyone I think is top five is matched up already so I don’t see why I shouldn’t get a title shot. I’ve put in a good performance, I’ve proved I can make the weight, so I don’t see anybody else besides Valentina getting that shot over me.”