Claudia Gadelha's show-stealing attitude and closing words ended TUF finale perfectly
LAS VEGAS — On Friday night, strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk beat her closest rival for a second time in an instant classic, but it was the challenger who taught a lesson, post-fight.
Leading up to their title rematch, while coaching opposite one another on "The Ultimate Fighter", Jedrzejczyk's usual bullying psychological warfare was on display for the world to see, including some particularly ugly and ethnically-charged words thrown at Gadehla, when she told the Brazilian to "go back to the jungle."
Walking into the MGM Grand Garden Arena to challenge for the belt, Gadelha welcomed the champion to her jungle as she bounded in with Guns 'N Roses playing through the arena loudspeakers. After an incredible effort that fell a bit short (though the judges' abysmally inaccurate scoring will make it seem much shorter to history), Gadelha continued to make her point.
At the start of the fifth and final round, Jedrzejczyk attempted to bump fists with Gadelha, but the challenger refused. She'd done more than enough already to make the often imperious champion realize she deserved respect.
After it was announced that Jedrzejczyk had remained champion, she made a point to try to make amends. "I'm sorry," she said, looking toward Gadelha and sounding earnest.
"I respect Claudia."
Gadelha came over, shook hands graciously, but then took the champion's mic and calmly delivered a final message for the night. "This," she said, gesturing towards the title belt around Jedrzejczyk's waist, "is important."
"But even more important is respecting people and this [pointing to the heart beneath her chest]."
The story of this rivalry between two of the best fighters in MMA, pound for pound, has many fascinating wrinkles and twists. Certainly, their two fantastic and close fights are the biggest chunk of that story.
Gadelha reminding us, with both her actions and words, how we should try to treat one another, despite our differences and even when we fight, is a remarkable cherry on top. In a dangerous world, during ugly times, sporting and respectful attitudes are needed. For a woman who ties her identity so closely to being the best in her class that she's taken "Champion" as both nickname and occasional surname, it is a good perspective to remember.
Winning is good and necessary to be considered a great, as Jedrzejczyk certainly is. However, legacies also consist of more than the fleeting glory of competitive success.
