Claudia Gadelha called out a former opponent, following her controversial split-decision win over Angela Hill at UFC Florida. During the post-fight interview, Paul Felder asked the Brazilian if she had any opponents in mind for her next bout.
“Hey, Carla Esparza. Let’s do it again,” said Gadelha.
Last time both women clashed at UFC 225, Gadelha won by split-decision. According to MMA Decisions, 19 out of the 24 media outlets gave the victory to Claudia. Whereas this past weekend at UFC Florida, 13 out of the 17 media outlets gave Hill the decision win.
Esparza is also coming off a very close decision win, over Michelle Waterson at UFC 249, and was quick to respond to the call out.
The former UFC strawweight champion was referring to their first fight two years ago, where she accused Gadelha of cheating and covering herself in grease, to nullify Esparza’a grappling.
During her UFC Florida post fight press conference (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), Gadehla was asked about Esparza’s tweet.
“Its 2020,” said the Brazilian vet. “This sport is evolving so much. Come on. I have the commission at least following me from the time I step in the octagon till the time the fight is finished. How the f*** am I going to grease? Carla Esparza, stop with the f***ing excuses. Let’s get back in there again.”
Esparza and Waterson have been criticised for their lacklustre performance at UFC 249. Gadelha however, is giving her former opponent the benefit of the doubt, in light of the global lockdown as a result of the coronavirus.
“Right now, I wouldn’t say much because everyone is going through crazy times,” Gadelha said. “It’s tough to train. It’s tough to do anything. I don’t know how her camp was. Not a lot of things happened in that fight, so I can’t say much”
Esparza has since taken to social media again, calling for a rematch with Gadelha.
Who do you think wins the rematch between Claudia Gadelha and Carla Esparza?
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