Jessica Andrade, the former UFC strawweight champion, bared the reasons behind her frequent appearances in the Octagon throughout 2023. This disclosure comes ahead of her fifth fight this year against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 295 in Madison Square Garden.
Despite a challenging year marked by a 1-3 record and a three-fight losing streak, Andrade remains resilient. The Brazilian fighter disclosed that her divorce drove her to remain active in the cage. She explained, “This year, dealing with legal expenses, I had to take five fights to cover the costs.”
This tumultuous journey began with a victory over Lauren Murphy in January, followed by setbacks—a submission loss to Erin Blanchfield and a knockout defeat to Yan Xiaonan.
Financial struggles resulting from legal expenses and bureaucratic hurdles fueled Andrade’s decision to fight frequently. She expressed the necessity of the wins, asserting, “I need this victory now, of course, and I’m coming for it.”
Looking ahead, Andrade contemplates the possibility of another five-fight year in 2024, although she humorously predicts the UFC might “slow things down” for her.
Acknowledging the potential impact of her personal challenges on her performance, Andrade remains undeterred. She approaches her upcoming bout with Mackenzie Dern at UFC 295 with renewed confidence.
Jessica Andrade Sees UFC 295 as a Chance for Fresh Start
Despite the odds stacked against her, Andrade views this fight as an opportunity for a fresh start. The Brazilian fighter, entering her 27th UFC bout, emphasizes the need to evolve her game and strategy to surprise her opponents.
While being considered a significant underdog at UFC 295, Andrade sees the challenge as a chance to showcase her resilience and adaptability after a tumultuous year in and out of the cage.
As Jessica Andrade gears up for her fifth bout of 2023 against Mackenzie Dern at UFC 295, her journey has been one of resilience amid personal challenges. What are your thoughts on Andrade’s determination and the impact of personal struggles on an athlete’s performance? Share your insights and predictions for her upcoming fight in the comments below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
