Gabriella Fernandes may have shocked the combat world with a massive upset submission over highly-touted Wang Cong at UFC Macau early Saturday morning (results HERE), but the Brazilian fighter was fighting for more than just a win.
Not too many fans expected Fernandes to last long at all against Cong, let alone turn in a huge upset performance. That’s because Cong — a former kickboxer who holds a win over Valentina Shevchenko — was picked by every expert to win Saturday’s matchup. Oddsmakers shafted Fernandez as well, giving the Brazilian a laughable 6-to-1 chance to leave Macau victorious.
In an unfathomable turn of events, Fernandes was able to land a crushing left hand in the first round that knocked Cong to the ground. Fernandes wasted no time jumping on her back and sinking in a tight rear-naked choke. She would go on to choke Cong unconscious and walk away with the biggest win of her career.
After the fight, Fernandes revealed that she was fighting for more than just victory inside of the Octagon. The Brazilian fighter mentioned that in addition to losing her father two weeks before a fight in 2023 her sister unfortunately passed away just one month ago. Fernandes was not able to see her as she was training for her fight against Cong this weekend at UFC Macau. That’s why Fernandes dedicated Saturday’s huge upset win to her recently-deceased sister.
“I’m living in the gym for 10 months, away from my family,” said Fernandes (transcription via MMA Fighting). “I lost my father last year, two weeks before my fight [against Tereza Bleda], and I lost. My sister died just over a month ago and I couldn’t be with her, and that’s why this win was for her.
“Both my hands are hurt, my foot is hurt, and I stilled accepted this fight. I came to her home, an undefeated girl, hyped up, and I was the underdog, and now [I won].”
For complete UFC Macau results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.