UFC 261: Jessica Andrade promises ‘no respect’ for Valentina Shevchenko in flyweight title fight
- Brazilian says a lot of opponents respect UFC flyweight champ too much and ‘they may be afraid of her’
- ‘I’m gonna be in her face the entire time and you can expect five rounds of pressure,’ adds former strawweight queen
Fight No 30 will be the biggest yet in the career of former strawweight queen Jessica Andrade, in terms of the significance of the event and the challenge facing her. But the Brazilian isn’t backing down.
In the first of three title bouts at UFC 261 on Saturday night, the 29-year-old will attempt to dethrone flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who has dominated the 125-pound division and is viewed by fans and media alike as nearly unbeatable.
The Kyrgyzstani “Bullet” (20-3) is on a six-fight win streak, sweeping all challengers before her, and Andrade (21-8) enters the contest as a big underdog at +310 odds after moving up and finishing former challenger Katlyn Chookagian last October.
“A lot of opponents get in there with Valentina and they’re already respecting her way too much, they may be afraid of her because of her history and everything she’s done,” Andrade said at Thursday night’s UFC 261 press conference.
“As much respect as I have for her outside, once the door closes, there will be no respect. I’m gonna be In her face the entire time and you can expect five rounds of pressure. I believe in myself, I know my potential, and I know that I can make it a fight.”
