Loopy Godinez Targets UFC Vegas 122 Win Against Ketlen Souza

Loopy Godinez faced Ketlen Souza on the main card of UFC Fight Night 290 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas on October 10, 2026, in a women's strawweight matchup with implications for both fighters' momentum. Godinez entered the contest seeking to recover from a loss to Tatiana Suarez, while Souza aimed to extend her winning streak to three fights in the UFC.

According to MMA Junkie's preview, Godinez held a professional mixed martial arts record of 14-6, including 9-6 in the UFC. Souza entered with a 17-6 overall record and a 4-3 mark in the promotion, having secured consecutive victories over Bruna Brasil and Ariane Carnelossi.

Godinez, 33, was also looking to strengthen her position in a strawweight division experiencing changes in its competitive landscape. Her previous year included decision victories over Julia Polastri and former champion Jessica Andrade, before Suarez handed her a submission defeat in April 2026.

Speaking to MMA Junkie Radio before the event, Godinez welcomed the division's changing lineup following Zhang Weili's departure and Mackenzie Dern's rise to champion.

"I think there's been some movement in there and I really like it. Since (Zhang) Weili left, I feel like there's been a lot of movement (with) Mackenzie being the champ now. There are so many new up-and-comers coming into the rankings.

That's also really exciting. We can see so many different names that have changed throughout the years. It's exciting.

I'm very excited." Godinez said.

Godinez described the evolving rankings as a source of motivation ahead of her matchup with Souza. Her willingness to remain active has helped establish her as a familiar competitor in the promotion, even when results have not gone her way.

She also viewed the fight as an opportunity to improve her standing after the setback against Suarez and reinforce her reputation for accepting opponents across the division.

"Definitely. I think a win over here is going to be really good for me and the whole thing. I'm really excited.

I do feel the UFC really likes me. They know I'm always ready. I'm always game to fight any opponent.

I've never said no to a fight. I've never pulled out. Thankfully, my body has been really good to me.

So yeah, that's probably why." Godinez said.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom predicted that Godinez would defeat Souza by unanimous decision, pointing to a potential advantage in wrestling and grappling. His assessment identified Souza's striking as a significant threat but suggested the compact dimensions of the Meta APEX cage could encourage Godinez to pursue grappling exchanges.

Godinez had won two decision bouts in 2025, against Polastri and Andrade, while Souza entered the matchup after victories over Brasil and Carnelossi. The October 10 contest placed their contrasting recent runs against each other on the UFC Fight Night 290 main card.

The fight was scheduled to stream on Paramount+ and air on CBS, with the fighters expected to make their walkouts at approximately 9:10 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the event preview published by Yahoo Sports.