Newly-crowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade, went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows last month in her native Brazil. Not long after knocking out Rose Namajunas to capture the 115-pound crown in the UFC 237 main event, “Bate Estaca” was carjacked while driving with her wife in Niteroi.
“The lights went red, and I slowed down. I saw a motorcycle close, and when I realized he was already by my side, I wasn’t quite aware of what was going on,” Andrade told ESPN. “I thought he was going to ask me something. When I saw the gun, I was like, ‘Oh crap.’”
The creeps made off with most of their valuables, including Andrade’s car, but the situation nearly took a turn for the worse when the vehicle wouldn’t respond. That nearly led to a second confrontation, until her wife intervened.
“My car’s hand brake is a button that was pressed. He didn’t know that and was having trouble to make the car go,” Andrade continued. “I was like, ‘Oh great. Now he’s going to get out of the car and shoot us. We’re screwed.’ Until Fernanda told them about the hand brake. They managed to do it and went away.”
Her car has since been recovered.
Andrade’s experience is not unique (just ask Yan Cabral). Former UFC light heavyweight champion, Mauricio Rua, was also carjacked in Brazil back in 2014. At least Andrade got to keep her clothes, unlike “Shogun.”
“During the crime, I kept my cool,” Andrade said. “I’d let them take everything. I don’t know how I got that calm because Fernanda was losing it. I hugged her and told her ‘Everything’s gonna be fine. We’re going home.’”
Sadly, not even home is safe these days.