Former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade, known as "Bate Estaca," faces Jasmine Jasudavicius this Saturday at UFC 315 in Montreal. This matchup has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, catching Andrade off guard as well. During the UFC 315 media day on Wednesday, Andrade shared her thoughts with media outlets, including Cageside Press.
As she prepares for her 29th fight in the UFC, Andrade, holding a record of 26 wins and 13 losses, expressed her comfort fighting at flyweight. She stated, “I really feel good at flyweight; it feels good on my body,” referring to the benefits of competing at 125 pounds. Despite this, Andrade revealed a desire to return to the strawweight division, where she made her mark as a champion.
Andrade initially aimed to fight at strawweight, but her plans changed when UFC matchmakers presented her with a bout against fellow Brazilian fighter Virna Jandiroba. However, Andrade has a personal agreement with Jandiroba, stating they will only compete against each other for titles or title opportunities, leading her to decline the matchup. “I said no, not this time; we’re not going to fight,” Andrade explained, reinforcing her commitment to that agreement.
After turning down Jandiroba, the UFC presented Andrade with the opportunity to face Jasudavicius. Currently, Jasudavicius is enjoying a four-fight win streak, with impressive finishes in two of those matches. Interestingly, three of her victories have come against Brazilian opponents, adding an intriguing twist to the matchup.
Andrade remains uncertain why the UFC matched her with Jasudavicius. She speculated, “Maybe because I’m a challenge, and I offer a good skill-set.” As she approaches the fight, Andrade sees this as a chance to showcase her abilities at flyweight, even while she contemplates a return to her original division in the future.
Despite her success at flyweight, Andrade emphasized her interest in revisiting strawweight. “I want to go back to 115 eventually,” she affirmed. However, she maintained that her only fight against Jandiroba would be for a title. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await UFC 315, where Andrade aims to demonstrate her skills against a tough competitor like Jasudavicius.
For more insights and updates, catch Jessica Andrade’s complete media day appearance online. This fight not only presents a key moment in Andrade’s career but also highlights her strategic choices in balancing competition with personal agreements in the sport.
