Tatiana Suarez challenges UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 312 after a really profitable 7-0 run within the promotion, however that call left Virna Jandiroba with blended emotions.
Whereas the Brazilian already anticipated to see Suarez compete for UFC gold, she will’t assist however really feel pissed off that it comes two months after the date they had been presupposed to combat. Suarez was compelled out of a Dec. 7 bout with Jandiroba attributable to well being points, and the promotion subsequently introduced through the UFC 310 broadcast that Suarez would face Zhang two months later in Sydney.
Jandiroba volunteered to function the backup fighter for the UFC 312 co-main occasion, however the UFC opted to haven’t any reserve fighter for that bout nor Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland. Jandiroba now returns to the cage on April 12, dealing with Yan Xiaonan in a possible No. 1 contender conflict at UFC 314.
“It’s so complicated. It’s loopy,” Jandiroba instructed MMA Preventing. “Tatiana was ranked forward of me so I imagined it will be her [next for the title]. I used to be shocked after they booked our combat, but it surely was additionally truthful. Then I used to be knowledgeable she had well being points and left the combat, after which she’s combating for the belt.”
Requested if she believes the UFC merely modified plans and pulled Suarez from UFC 310 to provide her a direct shot on the gold as an alternative, the Brazilian stated it’s doable “as a result of it was all very obscure.”
“I used to be pissed off, clearly, but in addition imagined she would get the shot since Zhang Weili had no combat booked,” Jandiroba stated. “I wasn’t shocked after they introduced it, however was a bit pissed off. However it’s what it’s.”
Jandiroba loves the thought of dealing with Suarez someday due to the conflict of types would favor her, however is aware of that having Zhang emerge victorious Saturday in Sydney might imply she’s subsequent for the belt with a win over Yan. If Suarez wins, a direct rematch would imply an extended wait on the sidelines, Jandiroba stated.
“I feel Zhang is the favourite,” she stated. “She’s the champion and he or she’s constant, well-rounded, and extra skilled than Tatiana, however I feel she has to remain alert always as a result of Tatiana is harmful. She has high-level grappling. She has good arm triangles and guillotines, and also you the one technique to escape that’s by tapping out. Zhang Weili is the favourite, however she has to remain alert.”
Jandiroba referred to as for a conflict with Yan after seeing the information of Zhang vs. Suarez as a technique to cement her place because the No. 1 contender at 115 pound, and believes “there’s no different possibility” however her subsequent.
“She’s the No. 2 within the rating and I’m No. 3, and there’s no simple fights right here,” Jandiroba stated. “I nonetheless assume it’s a very good matchup for me, although. We educated collectively for a short time period at Crew Alpha Male. She’s powerful, robust, and has a very good workforce round her. [Urijah] Faber is excellent and has a really sensible workforce there, however I feel it’s a very good matchup for me.”
Successful the UFC belt someday would make Jandiroba the third ladies to ever maintain titles in Invicta FC and UFC, becoming a member of the choose group with Cris Cyborg and Carla Esparza, and make her really feel full as an athlete.
“It’s a dream come true, that’s for positive,” Jandiroba stated. “It could be the head of my profession, little doubt. Preventing for a belt is already an enormous accomplishment contemplating my life and what I needed to undergo to get right here. And turning into [UFC] champion after turning into Invicta champion, my whole profession, that will be great. I’d retire at peace [laughs]. I’d defend [the belt], after all, however can be pleased with my profession already.”
