Top Brazilian prospect Kinberly Novaes makes her long-awaited return to action on May 16th at Noxii Combat 1 in her hometown of Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Novaes battles MMA Super Heroes tournament winner Renata Baldan in a Noxii Combat women’s strawweight title fight.

Both fighters confirmed the championship bout this week following an initial report from Dama de Ferro MMA. Novaes has been sidelined due to injuries for close to two years and has not fought since August 2013. Baldan most recently picked up her fourth win at MMA Super Heroes 8 in December.

Novaes (7-2-0) dropped a decision to fellow Muay Thai practitioner and current UFC fighter Juliana “Ju Thai” de Lima Carneiro in her September 2011 MMA debut at age 20, but the skilled striker then racked up six straight victories en route to becoming one of her country’s brightest female prospects. Along the way, Novaes scored a commanding TKO victory over UFC contender Jéssica “Bate Estaca” Andrade in what was arguably her most impressive performance to date. Novaes was submitted by current Invicta FC Atomweight Champion Hérica Tibúrcio in a thrilling bout at MMA Super Heroes 1, but rebounded with a one-sided TKO triumph over Jessica Suelem Doelle at Nitrix Champion Fight 15.

Baldan (4-1-0) began her pro career under unique circumstances in a one-night title tournament at MMA Super Heroes 3 one year ago. She posted back-to-back victories to win the tournament championship and quickly became a mainstay of MMA Super Heroes cards. Baldan has won two of her three fights for the promotion since then, with the lone defeat coming against veteran Aline Sattelmayer, who submitted Baldan with a third-round rear-naked choke at MMA Super Heroes 5. In December, Baldan returned to her winning ways by handing Luciana Dias her first pro loss. She now looks to upset Novaes in May.

Noxii Combat 1 takes place on May 16th at a venue to be announced in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The co-main event bout between Novaes and Baldan will be contested for the inaugural Noxii Combat Women’s Strawweight Championship.

(Photo Credit: Junior Aguiar Team)