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“I Would Love to Be Her First Opponent”- Jessica Andrade Ready to Welcome a Former UFC Champion Down to Flyweight

Published 12/28/2021, 6:09 AM EST

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Julianna Pena’s victory over ‘The Lioness’ Amanda Nunes has sent shock waves down the whole UFC female roster. This has resulted in an upheaval in all four women’s divisions of the promotion. Notably, there are rumors of Valentina Shevchenko moving back to bantamweight and Miesha Tate aspiring to move to flyweight. Former strawweight champ Jessica Andrade is ready to welcome ‘Cupcake’ to her weight class.

In an interview, ‘Bate Estaca’ told MMA Fighting that she would be delighted to face ‘Cupcake’ if the latter was willing to come down. Andrade said“I recently read that Miesha is thinking about the idea of going down to 125 pounds and I would love to be her first opponent in this new weight class.”

She continued, I believe that a fight between a former strawweight champion and a former bantamweight champion would be an interesting show for the fans.”

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Earlier, the former strawweight champion was rooting for a trilogy fight with current champion Rose Namajunas. However, she changed gears after the UFC President confirmed that Carla Esparza will take on the champion next.

The Brazilian, who is coming off a round one TKO win against Cynthia Calvillo, has competed in three divisions in the UFC and has been near the top at 115 and 125.

Jessica Andrade reveals she entered UFC because of Miesha Tate

Ever since joining the UFC back in 2013, Andrade has built herself a distinct identity by winning the strawweight strap and collecting knockouts in three distinct divisions. However, the 30-year-old recently revealed that it was actually because of Miesha Tate that she made it here.

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“Maybe she never thought about it, but I entered the UFC because of her, when she went to shoot TUF with Ronda [Rousey] and withdrew from a fight with Liz Carmouche, and I was signed as her replacement.”

“[Tate and I] went different directions in the organization, but I followed her this entire time in the UFC when I still competed at 135. She won the 135 belt right after I dropped to 115.”

Now, with Miesha Tate thinking about moving down a division, Andrade wants to inaugurate ‘Cupcake’s weight class switch.

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Written by:

Aashish Kumar

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Aashish Kumar is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Journalism & Mass Communication, this Israel Adesanya fan has interned at reputed media houses and gained valuable reporting experience. Building on that experience, Aashish will look to tap into his love for combat sports and let fans benefit from his passion and journalistic expertise.
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