Andrade Makes change to Avoid Another Wardrobe Issue

Jessica Andrade is not taking any chances at UFC 288. After a dreaded wardrobe malfunction left her exposed in her last fight, the Brazilian fighter has opted to ditch the sports bra and instead wear the full shirt version of the female UFC uniforms.

“Yes I’ll be wearing a shirt especially because of the weight now,” said Andrade at a media day ahead of her bout with Yan Xiaonan at UFC 288. “It’s even lower. I had the extra small and asked to make it really tight.”

The lightweight contender continued, saying “I don’t want it to happen again – I don’t want anything to be running or exposed so do not worry; I’m gonna even look fat a little bit – you’re gonna see some fat coming from places, it’s gonna be so tight!”

The only time since 2012 that Andrade has tasted defeat was against current or former women’s champions; most recently Erin Blanchfield submitted her via second-round rear naked choke in February this year. The 28-year-old says she was unable to focus on winning after being distracted by what happened early on in their encounter: “I worried about my top because it was kind of running there exposing me,” she revealed. “At that point I was not focused enough on the fight and let this one thing kind of destabilize me – and then what happened? Got down to the ground.”

Andrade believes if she can remain focused during Saturday’s main card opener however, then victory isn’t out of reach: “First of all don’t give your back – Erin Blanchfield specially – but also focus… Don’t let a small thing take away from your big goal which is winning this battle here.”

Whatever happens, fans know they won’t have another wardrobe related distraction when Jessica takes center stage as part two days’ time; something she admits will help relieve some anxiety come fight night: “I just wanna feel secure about myself feeling comfortable about myself… whatever it takes for me for having an A plus performance that is what matters for me right now”, concluded Andrade before stepping off stage with confidence knowing everything below neck is securely covered up!