Featuring in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 117 at Saitama Super Arena, in Japan, former title contender Jessica Andrade expects a battle against former title challenger Claudia Gadelha.
The 25-year-old — who is an ex-championship challenger herself — explained to MMA Plus why she made the decision to finish her camp in Japan.
“I picked to come [early] to Japan with time to prepare myself for this fight,” Andrade said. “Not only [so] my body [can] adapt for the weather and time but here I have a chance to finish our hard work in Brazil with PRVT Girls, working with a tough Japanese girls like Rena Kubota and Ayaka Hamasaki also a great help of Brazilian fighter Tabatha Ricci, who supports me in the final preparation for this fight.”
“Everything is good, the weight cut was perfect and I’m ready to get my win this Saturday,” said Jessica.
Andrade answers rumbles about title contentions, strategy to face Gadelha in Japan
After her last loss to UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Andrade revealed her desire to rematch the Polish star but admitted she will likely have to win another fight to get a shot again.
“I was fighting for the title recently, I think I’m a little far from a title shot now. After with a win against Gadelha, maybe I have to do a one or two fights to take a title shot again. But if that happens for sure I’m coming to reach a number one position in the rankings and a big chance to fight again for the belt,” admitted Andrade.
Expressing her expectations of her upcoming fight against Gadelha, the Brazilian; who has been vocal in her dislike of Gadhela, expects this fight to be her best yet inside the UFC Octagon.
“We were working a lot for this fight. It’s a [fight] I was waiting for a long time. To compete against a tough opponent like Gadelha is an amazing opportunity for me. UFC give me this gift and I really want to show the fans my skills in this fight.
“With all energy coming from Japanese fans, I believe this fight will be my best performance in UFC. I’m rooting for a knockout and for sure will try to finish the fight,” ended Andrade.
