The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: GETTY)

They meet at UFC Fight Night 111 in Singapore in the early hours of Sunday morning with Correia confident of beating the odds-on favourite.

Holm has lost three fights on the bounce since relieving Ronda Rousey of the bantamweight belt in November 2015.

‘Pitbull’ Correia said: “She is the one who is overestimated by everyone. Her performances really haven’t lived up to people’s expectations.

“I think she’s been a bit overrated and that’s too risky for an athlete’s career because they put you in fights you shouldn’t take.

“It’s been the case that Holly comes out of losing a tough fight and she doesn’t take time off to recover and to analyse and see things she has to work on.

“She takes another fight and ends up risking her career. Now I think that, after I win, it will depend on how they will take care of her career.

“If they don’t take good care of it, she might retire early. It depends on her head and how people around her will take care of her.

“Even though Holm says she is in great spirits, I know she is not because she comes off three losses.

"I know that she won’t be in her greatest spirits.”

While defeat will cast doubt on 35-year-old Holm’s future, victory for Correia, ranked number 11, will enhance her chances of moving nearer a title shot.

Correia (10-2-1) was knocked out by Rousey in the first round of their bantamweight title fight back 2015 and now aims to move into the title mix again.

She said: “I want to beat Holly Holm because people talk about me defeating a top-five opponent and I think this is the moment to show my striking qualities against a top ranked opponent.

“Being the main event motivates me. It’s a privilege and I will fight for a great result. After this I want a title shot.

“I’ve learned a lot and it’s time to put it all together.

"I feel like I’ve been keeping it in pieces rather than letting it be a combined arsenal and set of skills.”

Correia’s last contest was a majority draw decision with Marion Reneau in March and she vowed: “I aim to make the most of this chance against Holly.”