Livia Renata Souza is a submission artist first, but the strawweight champion showed off her striking skills with a knockout of DeAnna Bennett at Invicta FC 15.

Souza (9-0) said she’s ready to show what she can do on the feet once again if that’s what Invicta FC 17 opponent Angela Hill (4-2) wants.

The bout serves as the co-main event of Saturday’s card, which takes place at The Hangar at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. The event streams live on UFC Fight Pass.

Hill’s record isn’t sparkling on paper, but “The Ultimate Fighter 20” veteran fought three times in the octagon, and a win over a former UFC competitor is always a nice addition to any fighter’s resume. Souza, who’s ranked No. 5 in the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA women’s strawweight rankings, told MMAjunkie she’s not ignorant of that fact.

“No one gets into the UFC by chance,” Souza said. “Without a doubt, it would be a great experience for me, both as a person and as an athlete, (to beat her). And to compare me against fighters from the UFC might seem interesting in theory. But in practice, a fighter always has a 50-50 chance of winning once the cage door closes.

“Without a doubt, Angela Hill has studied my game, as I have hers. But I don’t expect her to repeat any of her past mistakes. Likewise, she shouldn’t be looking for of my past mistakes either. I’m going to be much more surgical and aware. For me, it’s a great opportunity and a pleasure to face a former UFC fighter. It doesn’t worry me in any way. It actually motivates me. It’s just another title defense. I’m going there to win whether it takes me 10 seconds or 25 minutes. I just don’t want it to go the judges’ cards. I’ll prove why this belt belongs to me. ”

Souza has yet to taste defeat since turning pro in March 2013. She’s been dominant in that time, and she’s been pushed to the third round only twice in her nine career bouts.

Despite a spotless record against some of the best in the world, Souza said she isn’t stressed by a need to remain perfect.

“I don’t feel pressure in staying undefeated,” Souza said. “One fact in everyone’s life is death. Death is unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean we should stop living. So I never feel pressure. My opponents might be looking to take away my undefeated streak and world championship, but at the same time, they realize that I didn’t defeat nine opponents by accident. But my record is just a number. My reality is training and putting constant effort into always improving. My MMA career is still relatively short. I believe that, as time goes by, I’ll evolve even more. I’ll keep addressing my weaknesses and further improving my strong points.”

After a two-fight losing skid led to her UFC release, Hill rattled off a pair of TKO wins in the Invicta FC cage to earn her shot at the title.

She’s a dangerous striker, as seen in her knockouts of Alida Gray and Stephanie Eggink. Despite that danger, Souza said she isn’t ready to rule out a striking battle with Hill.

“During a fight, I just let things flow,” Souza said. “I’m ready for whatever happens. If she wants to strike on the feet, we’ll do that. If she wants to wrestle, that’s fine too. And if goes to jiu-jitsu, she knows very well what awaits her. Her past opponents have a ground game much inferior to mine. In my opinion, I have the best ground game in women’s MMA. If we hit the ground, there’s no doubt what will happen to her.

“Her best chance with me is standing. As I demonstrated in my last fight, I’m much more comfortable striking. I have very good timing, both attacking and counterattacking. And, if it hits the mat, it’s checkmate. If she prefers to bang it out, she should expect some heavy lead.”

For more on Invicta FC 17, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.