The 26-year-old Brazilian told reporters at the post-fight press conference that she offered to step in and face Valentina Shevchenko in the co-main event after flyweight champion Nicco Montano withdrew from the bout due to weight-cut issues. However, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation nixed that idea.
In the end, the co-main event encounter between Montano and Shevchenko was canceled. UFC President Dana White announced that Montano would be stripped of the belt and Shevchenko would face a different opponent for the vacant title at a later date.
“I even offered to fight for the belt if they agreed to, but since they had already weighed me and done all the work, I wasn’t allowed by the athletic commission,” Andrade said. “But I’m happy I was able to help the promotion, help the UFC with a great show and excite people.”
Before moving to 115 pounds, Andrade compiled a 5-3 mark as a bantamweight in the UFC. She has since gone 6-1 at strawweight and could be on the verge of her second title shot in the weight class.
“I knew I was going to get this knockout,” Andrade said. “I trained so hard my muay Thai, I came very strong for this fight. I had in my mind: if she punches me, I’ll punch even harder. I didn’t expect to be that quick, because Karolina is really tough, but I can only celebrate. When I look to the past, I see how much I have evolved, and I’m just learning everyday a little bit more.”