Jessica Andrade celebrates after defeating Katlyn Chookagian at UFC Fight Island 6.
Jessica Andrade sets historic mark at UFC Fight Island 6
Jessica Andrade welcomed herself to the flyweight division by not only picking up a huge win, but by putting herself into title contention.
On Saturday at UFC Fight Island 6, Andrade (21-8) finished former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian with body in the final seconds of the first round. The win was historic as Andrade became the first female in UFC history to earn victories in three different weight classes.
“I feel really good,” Andrade said at her post-fight press conference. “It’s one more accomplishment – one win in another division. I have to thank my master, my team, my wife – and let’s go to the next.”
The former strawweight champion believes she should be next for the winner of the upcoming UFC 255 title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Jennifer Maia.
“I think I can make a difference in this division,” Andrade said. “I think I can put up a fight against Valentina. It’s something that should have happened already in other organizations, so I think I’m going to make a difference and put on shows in this division.”
Andrade is aware of the other deserving women within the division and her message to them is to be ready for her because she will fight them on short notice if she has too.
“I’m going to stay ready, Andrade said. “If that happens, I’ll be there if needed. In any other division – 135, 145 – I’ll be ready. I haven’t felt this happy and haven’t had this vigor to fight. I just feel very good tonight.”
