Nina Ansaroff: UFC champ Amanda Nunes showed me how to win as an underdog

NORFOLK, Va. – Nina Ansaroff showed once again why she relishes the role of underdog when she defeated Angela Hill on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 120.

Ansaroff (8-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) pulled off arguably the biggest win of her career when she topped Hill (7-4 MMA, 2-4 UFC) by unanimous decision in their strawweight bout, which took place at Ted Constant Convocation Center in Norfolk, Va., and aired on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

The odds weren’t in her favor going into the event, but Ansaroff said she didn’t mind. Her girlfriend, Amanda Nunes, who also just happens to be the UFC women’s bantamweight champion, has gone into plenty of fights on the wrong end of the odds. She’s overcome it many times, so Ansaroff said she was comfortable with the situation.

“I love when I’m the underdog,” Ansaroff told MMAjunkie after her victory. “I’m used to Amanda all the time as the champion being the underdog, so it’s just a little bit more motivation to get the job done. I use it for the energy in the fight then laugh about it after.”

The fact Ansaroff was able to beat Hill wasn’t the biggest surprise of the night, but it was how she got the job done. She stood toe-to-toe with the decorated striker and managed to have the better moments over 15 minutes. Although that wasn’t her strict game plan, Ansaroff said she knew she could perform on the feet.

“It’s exactly what I figured it was going to go,” Ansaroff said. “I’m not one to back down from a brawl. I got caught up in it a little more than I should have. I should have not played her game so much, but sometimes I get caught up in it because it’s fun. It was a good fight, and it went the way it went.”

After starting her UFC career 0-2, Ansaroff has bounced back with two solid victories in a row. She said she wants to keep that momentum going, and after beating a former Invicta FC champion in Hill, she wants another step up.

“When I fight higher-level opponents it brings out the better in me. I just want to keep climbing from here. I don’t want to call out names, but I want someone in the top 10. My goal is to be the champion.”

For complete coverage of UFC Fight Night 120, check out the UFC Events section of the site.