If Shevchenko wins, Bate-Estaca says he can give his rival an immediate rematch: 'Nothing fairer'

J. Andrade faces V. Shevchenko for the flyweight belt at UFC 261. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Close to another great moment within Ultimate, Jessica Stacker exudes happiness before the confrontation against Valentina Shevchenko, for the flyweight belt (up to 56,7kg.). One of the protagonists of UFC 261, which takes place this Saturday (24), the woman from Paraná, in conversation with the press, with the participation of SUPER FIGHTS, spoke about expectations for the confrontation and showed confidence in the commitment.

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This weekend, Bate-Estaca will be able to make Ultimate history and join the select group of athletes who have won titles in different divisions. Former strawweight leader (up to 52,1kg), the fighter doesn't hide her excitement about her big moment and hopes to shock the world again.

Atmosphere for confrontation

Starring in a title fight for the fourth time in Ultimate (three as challenger and once as champion), Jéssica was able to compare Saturday's commitment with the atmosphere experienced before the UFC 237, when he became leader of the straws. According to the woman from Paraná, the feelings come together, given the explicit happiness on the Brazilian woman's face.

"It is very good. I'm feeling very happy. The joy I was in UFC 237 It's the same as I am now. It's a dream come true. (…) It had been a while since I felt like this during fight week. I was worried about the issue of weight and responsibility. I am very serious about this issue. We have to be professional, because the only thing we do in our lives is fight. (…) I had lost some of that joy, of playing, going out, laughing. Today, I'm feeling very calm, not only because of the weight issue, but because of the opportunity that the UFC is giving me. (…) When I go into a fight happy, I’m either going to put on a show or come out with the victory. It’s going to be a wonderful fight, both for me and for Valentina”, said the Brazilian.

Flyweight: permanent home?

In October 2020, Jéssica made a mark in the organization by becoming the first woman to win in three different weight divisions. The fighter, who has already appeared among the bantamweights (up to 61,2kg.) and strawweights, however, seems to have found her safe haven. The Paraná native revealed how she feels working in the under-56,7kg group. and there is no lack of optimism for Bate-Estaca.

“I'm feeling really good in this category. At 61kg. (roosters), I felt good too, but when it came time to fight, I was worried about the heavier weight (of the opponents). Most of the girls were much bigger than me – even bigger than me. Katlyn chookagian (Jessica's last opponent) - but the weight was extravagant. I had to exert a lot more force. When I went to 52kg. (straws), my happiness doubled. (…) I felt good, fast. Now, at 57 (flies), I feel good, very good indeed, because I'm still strong and can eat really well. I train better than I trained in all categories. I can look good, train really hard and lose weight calmly, happy and eating well. My wife (Fernanda Gomes) even said to me: 'honey, if you're feeling good in this category, win. Keep winning (…) so we don’t have to leave this category”, confessed Andrade.

Rematch with Valentina?

Even with her confidence high, Jéssica doesn't lose her humility when it comes to Shevchenko. Knowing that she will face one of the greatest representatives in the history of women's MMA, the Brazilian spoke about what could happen if she overcomes the champion in the UFC 261.

“I believe the UFC will give Valentina a rematch, no matter how I win. Nothing fairer than that. You beat the champion and, in fact, become champion by giving her a rematch. It's what I would have liked to have had (against Weili Zhang), but, the way I was defeated, it was my first defense. There was no way for me to ask for anything, but Valentina has a great history as a champion. I believe that if the UFC says I have to do a rematch with her, yes I will. If we win, then yes, we have other names in the category”, confirmed the woman from Paraná.

Dream ending

Putting on a dream fight, there's nothing better than imagining an ideal outcome for this weekend's spectacle. For Bate-Estaca, the main thing is to win, regardless of the way. However, the Paraná native signaled how she would like to displace the Kyrgyzstani.

“The best outcome is victory. Finishing or knocking out. The best would be like this. The best thing is to win a belt by knockout or submission, because it ends early and you are sure that you won”, he concluded.

Athletes' history

At 29 years old, Jessica Andrade is heading towards his 30th appearance as a professional in MMA. Today, the Brazilian has 21 wins and eight defeats. In her last commitment, the Brazilian ran over Katlyn chookagian and got her passport stamped to face the flyweight champion.

Considered one of the best fighters of all time, Valentina has become the 'woman to beat'. With 23 appearances in mixed martial arts, the Kyrgyzstani suffered three setbacks. The fighter's last negative result came in 2017, when she was surpassed by Amanda nunes, in the bantamweight belt dispute. Since then, there have been six consecutive victories.