Montana De La Rosa's training for UFC Rio Rancho has proven to be particularly difficult.
The 24-year-old flyweight is set to fight in the same event as her husband, Mark, and both fighters' preparations for their respective bouts have been challenging for the couple.
"Marriage-wise, it's not that great," Montana told theScore. "It's really hard because we're both so focused on our fights, and we kind of forget about having a strong marriage. We get up and grind. But, you know, it will all pay off when we both get those wins."
Montana (10-5) is scheduled to face Mara Romero Borella on the UFC Rio Rancho main card Feb. 15. Mark (11-3) will battle Raulian Paiva (18-3) during the prelims.
While Montana has tried to balance her marriage with her upcoming bout, the Texas native is also trying to put a variety of injury concerns behind her. She hasn't competed since a June 2019 loss to Andrea Lee due to injuries.
"I had a broken nose that I had to get fixed. I couldn't even breathe out of it," Montana explained. "And then I had some nerve damage in my elbow (which required surgery). That was kind of ongoing for a while."
Montana added: "I didn't start training until probably October, so I was off for two or three months because I got a staph infection in my elbow after the surgery, too. So it just kind of was a lot of bed rest. I couldn't really do much."
Despite the setbacks, Montana believes the time off was a blessing in disguise.
"I really think I did need the time off because I've just been grinding so hard, and fighting and training 24/7," she said. "So, it was really nice to lay in bed for a while and realize what really matters, and that I do want to do this. I want to keep trying to get to the top."
Montana is looking to make a statement next week by adding a ninth stoppage victory to her resume.
"I would always love to get a submission," she said. "But, you know, (Borella) just got TKO'd in her last fight, and I hear (when) you get knocked out, it can be a little bit easier to hit that button. So, I mean, I've never gotten a TKO, but I'm always working on my striking, so that would be pretty awesome."
UFC Rio Rancho takes place at Santa Ana Star Center in New Mexico.