Gabriella Fernandes wrote her identify within the UFC historical past books with the largest upset of 2024 odds-wise—and ninth all-time within the UFC—a stunning submission of -950 favourite Wang Cong at UFC Macau.
Again to Brazil to rejoice the victory after cashing a $50,000 test for top-of-the-line performances that night time in China, Fernandes mentioned in an interview with MMA Preventing she wasn’t that bothered or offended by her underdog standing going right into a combat with the 6-0 flyweight prospect.
“I don’t care about all that, you realize?” Fernandes mentioned. “I care about what I’ve to do to win. I have to concentrate on myself no matter her hype or the very fact I’m preventing in her dwelling nation or whatnot. It was higher for me, truly, as a result of I already knew it might be like that. She had all of the stress to ship being at her dwelling and the very fact she was undefeated. I noticed it as a chance.”
Wang made her technique to the UFC with a guillotine over Paula Luna this previous Could after which demolished Victoria Leonardo in simply 62 seconds three months later. Fernandes misplaced her first UFC bouts to Jasmine Jasudavicius and Tereza Bleda however signed a brand new take care of the UFC after a bonus-winning break up determination win over Carli Judice in June.
“Folks begin doubting you [after losses], that’s the reality,” Fernandes mentioned. “I used to be the favourite once I debuted within the UFC towards Jasmine however then I misplaced like that, after which I misplaced once more, and other people begin not supplying you with credit score. It’s was simply my staff and I, and that’s what actually issues to me.”
Wang’s fast victory over Leonardo passed off the night time of Fernandes’ birthday celebration, and the 31-year-old thought to herself {that a} conflict with Wang can be great given their preventing kinds. The provide got here a month later, and he or she mentioned sure instantly. The “humble” athlete refuses to name out a 125-pounder after an enormous upset, however hopes the promotion sends her method a fellow striker after cashing massive with the $50,000 bonus.
“It’s like I gained twice,” Fernandes mentioned of the bonus as a file underdog. “To win like that, and the bonus. To win at her dwelling, an undefeated woman. It’s one other impediment out of my method. I stick with my ft on the bottom, however I plan on preventing quickly. I’ll simply get well from the accidents and get again in there. It was more durable to coach whereas injured [than fighting]. Deep in there, I knew I used to be going to win. I mentioned in an interview with the UFC earlier than the combat, ‘She’s 6-1 however doesn’t know but.’”
Watch Fernandes’ end beneath.
