Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza recently made a plea for help on Instagram when she offered up her motorcycle for sale to help with her financial troubles, now the #1 ranked Claudia Gadelha has chimed in and a war of words has broken out between the UFC stars.
For those who didn’t check out the Instagram post, this is what Gadelha stated:
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 title 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 title 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.
The former women’s strawweight champion was quick to respond via her Facebook:
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.
The first time the two were supposed to fight was for the vacant Invicta Fighting Championships Strawweight Title at Invicta FC 4, but Gadelha pulled out of the fight after suffering a broken nose. The second time was when both were supposed to be contestants on the UFC Ultimate Fighter 20, but Gadelha pulled out of the show due to weight cutting issues.
Gadelha recently defeated Cortney Casey by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 100, Esparza last defeated Juliana Lima by unanimous decision at UFC 197.
