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24th Dec 2016

UFC star Claudia Gadelha has never looked in better shape

Will she get another title shot in 2017?

Patrick McCarry

Claudia Gadelha is in a tough spot right now.

Despite having given women’s straw-weight champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk two hellacious tests, the 28-year-old Brazilian lost both via decision and may not necessarily be next in line for a title shot.

Gadelha returned to the Octagon last month and did for Courtney Casey after dominating the bout. Her last five MMA fights have went the distance so she is giving fans value for money, at least.

Gadelha is ranked No.1 contender by the UFC but Karolina Kowalkiewicz may get an immediate rematch against Jedrzejczyk after an epic battle at UFC 205. “What about UFC Poland next year?” the champion declared after her Madison Square Garden decision win.

That leaves the Brazilian with a possible fight with No.3 ranked Carla Esparza. Nothing is signed yet but the trash-talk has already begun.

And, judging by Gadelha’s latest Instagram posts she is more than ready for the call.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOXZGBrjsEV/?taken-by=claudiagadelhaufc

This one seems scarcely possible.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOTHpzsjjzi/?taken-by=claudiagadelhaufc

Gadelha is primed. 2017 could well be a case of now or never.