UFC Fight Night 117: Jessica Andrade batters Claudia Gadelha to earn decision
By Mike Heck
Here is how the women’s strawweight co-main event between Claudia Gadelha and Jessica Andrade went down at UFC Fight Night 117.
On Friday, Sept. 22, the UFC headed to Japan for UFC Fight Night 117. The event took place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan with the main card airing on FXX in the US.
In the co-main event, former UFC women’s strawweight title challengers Claudia Gadelha and Jessica Andrade battled it out. Gadelha is coming off an impressive first-round submission victory over Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 212 back in June. An impressive victory could put Gadelha in line for a third shot at the UFC women’s strawweight title in 2018.
Andrade is looking to get back into the win column following a gutsy effort against strawweight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk back in May at UFC 211, losing a unanimous decision. Andrade has won her other three fights since dropping down to the 115-pound division and hopes a win over one of the best the division has to offer could get her back into the championship conversation.
Here is how the fight unfolded, round-by-round, including FanSided’s scoring of the bout.
ROUND 1
The most intriguing fight of the night is underway as the combatants touch gloves. Gadelha lands a quick right hand, then follows that with a combination. Andrade throws a right hand, but Gadelha seems quite comfortable on the feet. “Claudinha” looks crisp on her feet. Andrade lands a right hand and eats a Gadelha jab. Overhand right by Andrade and Gadelha with some dirty boxing. Andrade is busted open. Andrade just can’t seem to figure out the range as she grabs a hold of Gadelha and pushes her into the fence. Andrade lifts Gadelha high in the sky and slams her down to the canvas. Gadelha locks in a guillotine and Andrade escapes and works on top. Andrade is grinding her forearm to the face of her opponent and lands some punches. A strong finish after a slow start for Jessica Andrade.
Hulk Smash. Guillotine. Blood everywhere. #UFCJapan https://t.co/E0PlfX7iW4
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) September 23, 2017
FanSided scores the round 10-9 Gadelha
ROUND 2
Both fighters are bleeding as the second round is underway. Gadelha lands a nice left hand as they begin to trade. Gadelha earns a takedown and looks to take Andrade’s back, but back to the feet they go. Working against the fence, Andrade looks for her own takedown and can’t get it. Andrade throws a jab and Gadelha times it beautifully. She can’t land the takedown as Andrade sprawls to end up on top. Andrade works some ground and pound. As Gadelha tries to get to her feet, Andrade lands a series of nasty knees to the body. Back to the feet and both women exchange punches. Andrade walks Gadelha down and lands a big combination. Andrade has Gadelha in a bit of trouble here. Gadelha is breathing heavy while Andrade lands a barrage of short left hands. Right hand from Gadelha is answered by Andrade with a short kick. Another flurry of punches from Andrade as she looks for a takedown. Gadelha has a super tight guillotine locked in and looks to finish but the horn sounds.
Round Three. https://t.co/zxAn9aAfER
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) September 23, 2017
FanSided scores the round 10-9 Andrade
Next: More UFC Fight Night 117: Saki earns one-punch KO
ROUND 3
An important round for the UFC women’s strawweight division begins with an exchange of respect in the center of the cage. Gadelha looks uncomfortable, maybe having trouble seeing as she eats a right hand. Andrade pushes Gadelha to the cage and lands a painful looking knee to the body. Big takedown from Andrade followed by a series of right hands to the body. More body shots on the ground from Andrade and some to the head. These body shots continue to rain down on Gadelha, who just has not been able to re-gain that momentum from the first round. Andrade continues to work the body and now up to the head as this has been a dominant three minutes. Andrade postures up for a moment and lands a pair of right hands before ending back in Gadelha’s guard. Andrade works to side control and continues to punish Gadelha, who tries to work to the fence. Andrade continues the onslaught as Gadelha shows her tenacity and heart getting back to her feet. Andrade with another big slam to put the exclamation point on her best performance to date.