Jessica Andrade reveals strategy to take out Rose Namajunas at UFC 237

At UFC 237, on May 11 in Rio de Janeiro, Jessica Andrade will have a second opportunity to claim the UFC strawweight strap — this time against reigning champion Rose Namajunas.

Heading into this fight, it’s clear that Jessica Andrade will need a strong strategy to unseat the talented champion. Speaking to MMA Fighting, she boldly revealed that strategy. Apparently, she will look to impose pressure, close the distance, and tire Namajunas out.

“I’m watching her videos, and the way she’s walking, she’s trying to impose the same style that Joanna does,” Jessica Andrade told MMA Fighting. “But I’ve evolved a lot and won’t let that happen. I will get there well-prepared for the fight, that’s for sure.

“Rose has a great striking,” she added. “We can see her improvement, especially in her fights against Joanna. She’s fast, has a bigger reach and is taller than me. The strategy is to back her up (against the cage), and every time she’s put against the cage she comes back more tired in the next round.”

“I believe that the strategy is get her tired and then impose our game and everything will be alright. It’s easy (for her) to fight Joanna, who connects and then runs, but it’s a bit more complicated to fight a tractor that will put pressure the entire time.”

“I have to close the distance to make sure she doesn’t land her punches. Her punch will be weaker on short range. Don’t give her space to connect her hard punches. Get her arms tired so her punches are weaker, too.”

Do you think this strategy will pay off for Jessica Andrade? Will we be hearing ‘And New’ at UFC 237?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/25/2019.