“I wanted to fight this year, but I decided to wait because the UFC wants me to fight in February. They gave me this date. I’ll be in Australia next week for Joanna vs. Valerie and they told me whoever wins will be my next opponent… I spoke with Sean [Shelby] and he told me in English, ‘I don’t wanna Miesha Tate you.’ My case is totally different than Miesha’s because she lost twice and they don’t want to do a third fight, and my fight with Joanna was different. She didn’t finish me, and she wants this fight too. It’s completely different. I believe this fight will happen now.”
-Strawweight contender Claudia Gadelha talked to reporters in Brazil about what’s next for her into 2016 (via Guilherme Cruz at MMAFighting.com).
Penick’s Analysis: Sad that Tate getting screwed over has become a verb from a UFC matchmaker. Now, they are in very different situations, as Gadelha arguably should have won the decision over Joanna Jedrzejczyk when they fought, and she’s looked dominant since that loss. That rematch is a must if and when Jedrzejczyk defeats Valerie Letourneau next week, and it’s going to be a fantastic fight for February if the Champ can make that turn around. Considering she’s talked about how she used to fight every three weeks in Muay Thai and likes to stay busy, I’d bet this fight’s coming on Super Bowl weekend should Jedrzejczyk retain.
[Photo (c) Mark J. Rebilas via USA Today Sports]
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