Russian UFC fighter Irina Alekseeva, in an exclusive interview with Telecomasia.net, commented on her upcoming bout with Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Bia Mesquita.
I am insanely happy that I will have a fight in Brazil. I dreamed of this ever since I watched the TV series 'The Clone' with Lucas and Jade. I wanted to visit there, see the Christ the Redeemer statue in person. That was my first thought. As for the fight, at first I didn't know who Mesquita was. Then I saw on social media that she is a BJJ legend, and that made me very happy, because finally I get to fight someone significant in the sports world. I have always wanted to fight legendary people and decorated athletes, it motivates me a lot.
"When your opponent is not that famous, you enter the cage with a little more relaxed attitude, but when your opponent is well-known you have more motivation to win. That's my mindset. Today I have already started training. I'll be building up my physical condition, strengthening my elbows so I don't get caught in an arm lock, my ligaments, knees, and ankles. I'll repeat, I'm very happy to face such an opponent. I always wanted to fight Cris Cyborg, Amanda Nunes, Kayla Harrison – great fighters. Considering Mesquita's achievements in BJJ, she can also join this list," Alekseeva said.
The Alekseeva vs. Mesquita fight is scheduled for October 12 at UFC Fight Night 261 in Brazil.
Mesquita is a member of the IBJJF Hall of Fame. She is a six-time IBJJF world champion (and once took gold in no-gi), the 2017 ADCC world champion, and a winner of the UAEJJF Grand Slam and RJN (2017).
The 35-year-old Alekseeva has five wins and three losses in her record. She lost her last two fights. The 34-year-old Mesquita has five wins and no losses. This will be Bia's UFC debut.
