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MMA

04th Dec 2016

PICS: Former UFC champion Carla Esparza puts Claudia Gadelha back in her box following ducking accusation

World class mic drop

Ben Kiely

If you’re going to spit venom at Carla Esparza, you would want to ensure you’re prepared for the inevitable rebuttal.

Esparza has fallen on hard times of late. The first-ever UFC women’s strawweight champion was out of action for a 13-month period after having shoulder surgery in 2015.

After losing her belt to Polish powerhouse Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185, ‘the Cookie Monster’ sat on the sidelines trying to get back to full fitness from the procedure. Since she was unable to fight, she wasn’t earning anything from her profession and recently she was forced to sell the motorcycle she won on that historic season of The Ultimate Fighter in order to pay the bills.

She finally returned to the Octagon in April 2016 where she scored a unanimous decision win over Juliana Lima in a bout she took on short notice. She’s been eagerly looking to book another fight, but the only offer she received was a showdown with perpetual title contender Claudia Gadelha.

According to Esparza, she wanted a different opponent first so she shake out all that ring rust before taking on her bitter rival. The Brazilian, who at the time of writing doesn’t have a fight booked, didn’t take too kindly to Esparza refusing to accept the challenge. She let Esparza know exactly how she felt about the situation with a passionate post on Instagram.

What a weak fighter Carla is. She doesn't want to fight the best, she makes excuses so she can get an easy fight. I want to be the best. For my last fight, I asked to fight the best in the division. Unfortunately she don't feel in the same way. Carla and other names in the division turned down the fight. I was left with no other option than Cortney. I took that fight with the promise that if I won, I would fight Carla. Now she is still refusing to fight me. You want money little girl? Step in the octagon and fight. I have the cars I want, 2 houses and money in the bank at 27 years old. You know why? Because I accept challenges. I fought twice in the last 6 months and I didn't choose none of my fights and I will never choose. I lost my fight for the tittle with pride and I was not waiting for a easy fight to get back in the win column. I was out for a year before fight for the tittle and you are talking about 8 months out? The first thing I said when I talked to the matchmakers was: Please give me somebody on the top 5!! You can find excuses and run but you won't disappear, I will see you soon. Português nos comentários pq ficou muito grande. #teamgadelha #ufc #mma

A photo posted by Gadelha Claudia (@claudiagadelhaufc) on

These two warriors have previous. Although they have never fought each other inside the cage before, it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

When Esparza held the Invicta Fighting Championships strawweight belt, she was booked to face Gadelha twice. However, both times the Brazilian withdrew from the bout. The first time they were set to do battle at Invicta 4, Gadelha broke her nose in training. Their scheduled bout at Invicta 7 was scrapped altogether after Dadelha suffered a bacterial infection the day of the fight.

Esparza was quick to point out these two instances in her response to Gadelha, while also mentioning the fact that she went through the slog of the Ultimate Fighter in order to capture the title, while Gadelha decided to sit it out.

If I remember correctly, I showed up, weighed in, and stepped in the cage to fight you Claudia Gadelha TWO times. And YOU did not show up!!! The second time because you cut so much freaking weight that you went to the hospital. I also showed up on TUF 20 expecting to fight you (that makes it 3x), and again, YOU did not show up. Why?? Because you were too heavy to make the weight!!! Sorry if I walk around at 125lbs, and you get up to 155lbs. Too scared to fight people your own size??? I've proven time after time I will show up to fight you, but just because you scream and cry like a little brat, does not mean you will bully me into your way. Trust me, the fight will happen. I wasn't scared to fight you then, I'm not scared to now. I haven't had a full camp in 2 years, so I think it's fair to ask for that. When I take this fight, I want to be at my best. I'm going in there to win.?? Cookie Monster out? drops the mic ?

A photo posted by Carla (@carlaesparza1) on