VERONA, N.Y. – Bruna Ellen has made no secret of her high goals. But, after a big Bellator 182 win, the flyweight is in no rush to reach them.

Ellen (4-1 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) edged out Veta Arteaga (3-2 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) in a close contest that ended in a split call this past Friday at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The win means Ellen is now two fights removed from an unsuccessful promotional debut, and off to a solid start in her still-blooming pro career.

But, as happy as she is with a main card win over a tough competitor, Ellen still believes a lot of strides are yet to come in the cage.

“I still have a lot to show,” Ellen told MMAjunkie in her native Portuguese. “I’m sure that with every fight, there’ll be more evolution, and a new show. I’m in no rush. I want to showcase my work, do it fight by fight, and show the world what I love doing. That’s why I’m here.”

Ellen admitted she wasn’t really expecting to hear the split call being announced – she thought it was pretty clear that she’d won two rounds against Arteaga. But having come out of with her hand raised, she won’t make too big of a deal out of it, either.

As for what she encountered against fellow up-and-comer Arteaga, who’d gained somewhat of a reputation of face-destroyer after her displays over Anastasia Yankova and Brooke Mayo, Ellen says she wasn’t exactly surprised.

She expected a difficult challenge. So she planned for it.

“I already knew she was a very tough opponent,” Ellen said. “That she likes to fight, and that she moves forward a lot. So I think I was able to implement my strategy well, and not let her find me in the fight.

“And impose my game both in the striking and takedowns. I knew she was a very tough opponent, so it was as I was expected: a very tough fight.”

In a closely contested bout, Ellen also knew that the third round was key to lock in a win. Clearly, she managed – and a final takedown effort may have been just the thing to help make sure she pulled it off.

Looking back, Ellen believes she was doing well enough on her feet. But still, she wasn’t about to take any chances on a key win.

“I wanted to make it extra clear, no doubts,” Ellen said. “So I looked for the takedown to decide that round beyond all doubt.”

Ellen may not have the heftiest MMA record yet, but she’s certainly off to a good start. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that she actually enjoys fighting – and gets more into it as every appointment in the cage progresses.

Much as we’ve come to see her do during her fights, Ellen says constant growth is what we can expect from her career.

“It’s what I like doing, so with every minute (of the fight) I start letting loosening up a little more,” Ellen said. “And with every fight I’m going to start loosening up a little more.”

To hear from Ellen, with the help of an interpreter, check out the video above.

And for more on Bellator 182, check out the MMA Events section of the site.