Jennifer Maia (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

As a result of her submission win over Joanne Calderwood at UFC Vegas 5, Dana White’s confirmed Jennifer Maia will fight for the flyweight title next.

Maia was booked to fight Calderwood on Saturday night, after the latter agreed to stay active, rather than wait for an expected bout with flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko.The champion is currently sidelined due to an injury.

Maia halted Calderwood’s title shot run, however, by catching her with a first round armbar. After the card, White was asked if Maia had secured a title shot with the win (quote via MMA Junkie).

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” White said. “That’s the fight. Listen, I have a lot of respect for JoJo. She’s been working hard, taking her career very seriously. She’s been back on track since she moved to Vegas. Jennifer looked damn good tonight. Yeah, it makes sense for her and Valentina to fight.”

Prior to Saturday’s card, Maia was ranked #6 in the UFC’s flyweight division and Calderwood was #3.

The 31-year-old Maia (18-6) was coming off a decision loss to Katlyn Chookagian in November. Chookagian faced Shevchenko in February and was stopped by the renowned fighter.