Gabriella Fernandes wrote her identify within the UFC history books with the largest upset of 2024 odds-wise—and ninth all-time within the UFC—a shocking submission of -950 favorite Wang Cong at UFC Macau.
Again to Brazil to have a good time the victory after cashing a $50,000 test for among the finest performances that evening in China, Fernandes mentioned in an interview with MMA Combating she wasn’t that bothered or offended by her underdog standing going right into a battle with the 6-0 flyweight prospect.
“I don’t care about all that, you already know?” Fernandes mentioned. “I care about what I’ve to do to win. I must deal with myself no matter her hype or the actual fact I’m combating in her dwelling nation or whatnot. It was higher for me, really, as a result of I already knew it could be like that. She had all of the stress to ship being at her dwelling and the actual fact she was undefeated. I noticed it as a chance.”
Wang made her method to the UFC with a guillotine over Paula Luna this previous Might 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 cut up choice 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 in opposition to Jasmine however then I misplaced like that, after which I misplaced once more, and other people begin not providing you with credit score. It’s was simply my crew and I, and that’s what actually issues to me.”
Wang’s fast victory over Leonardo befell the evening of Fernandes’ birthday celebration, and the 31-year-old thought to herself {that a} conflict with Wang can be great given their combating types. The supply got here a month later, and she or he mentioned sure immediately. 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 huge 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 lady. It’s one other impediment out of my method. I stick with my ft on the bottom, however I plan on combating quickly. I’ll simply recuperate from the accidents and get again in there. It was tougher 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 battle, ‘She’s 6-1 however doesn’t know but.’”
Watch Fernandes’ end beneath.
