Clark Returns to the Spotlight
Former UFC bantamweight Jessica-Rose Clark, known as “Jessy Jess,” will headline Dirty Boxing 5 as she challenges Brazil’s Paula Bittencourt for the vacant DBX Women’s Bantamweight title on 30 January at the Bayou Music Center in Houston, Texas. Clark (11-9) has remained active since her 2023 release from the UFC, where she compiled a 4-5 record in the Octagon. The 38-year-old competed twice in Muay Thai under Scott Coker’s Fight Night San Jose banner before signing with Dirty Boxing, a move that has already proven successful.
Clark opened her DBX career with a unanimous decision win over Marilia Morais and returned just two months later to defeat Claudia Zamora by decision, putting herself in position for the title opportunity. “I’ve been working hard, staying active, and I feel ready for this moment,” Clark said.
Bittencourt Makes Her DBX Debut
Paula Bittencourt (8-3) will make her Dirty Boxing debut in what she calls the biggest fight of her career. The 30-year-old Brazilian enters on a two-fight win streak, including a split decision victory over Alejandra Lara and a first-round knockout of Jaqueline Ferreira. Bittencourt, a former Bellator fighter, was also the last opponent Dakota Ditcheva faced before signing with the PFL.
Co-Main Event Features Striking vs. Grappling
The co-main event will showcase a stylistic clash between former UFC flyweight Raulian Paiva and ex-K-1 World Kickboxing Champion and former PFL fighter Ben Woolliss. Paiva (23-6-2) has posted mixed results since leaving the UFC, going 2-1-2 and coming off a majority draw. Woolliss, meanwhile, carries a four-fight win streak with all victories coming via first-round knockouts, although they came against opponents without wins.
Looking Ahead
Dirty Boxing also confirmed its second event of 2026, scheduled for 27 February in Nashville, signaling a busy start to the promotion’s new year. Both Clark and Bittencourt will look to make a statement in Houston, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting year in women’s bantamweight competition.
