Claudia Gadelha issues statement following tough loss to Jessica Andrade

Former UFC strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha went to war with fellow Brazilian standout Jessica Andrade in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 117 last night in Japan.

Unfortunately for fans of Gadelha, after a terrific opening few minutes from Claudia, the tide turned in favor of Jessica Andrade in rounds two and three.

After fifteen minutes of blood spilling action, it was clear that Jessica Andrade had done enough to earn the unanimous decision victory.

Shortly following the tough loss, which snapped her two-fight win streak, Claudia Gadelha took to Instagram where she issued the following statement announcing that she will be taking some time off from MMA.

No excuses. All merit goes to Jessica. Congratulations on your performance. Now my heart asks me to say something to you guys because I am feeling how much loved I am, how blessed I am, and how much I live the life I asked God for. I'm happy to see real friends and fans in defeat too, and that's priceless. Thank you all for everything! I want to come here also to communicate that I will take some time off. I just went through 3 fights in 10 months, 10 months of much learning but also very tiring. I need time with my parents who are in Brazil loving me in the same way, my entire family as well. I'm going to be Ana Claudia a little more, breathe light things and enjoy the pleasures of life a little bit. With the certainty that Claudinha will come back stronger. Thanks to those who got my back!! Love you all!! ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾 Sem desculpas. Todo mérito cabe a minha adversária, Parabéns pelo desempenho. Meu coração me pede que eu me manifeste por eu ter sentido agora o quanto sou amada, o quanto sou abençoada e o quanto vivo a vida que pedi a Deus. Fico feliz demais em ver os amigos e fãs de verdade também na derrota, e isso não tem preço. Obrigada a todos por tudo! Quero passar aqui também pra comunicar que vou ficar em off um tempo, foram 3 lutas em 10 meses, 10 meses de muito aprendizado mas também muito cansativos. Eu preciso de tempo com os meus pais que estão lá em Natal me amando do mesmo jeito, assim como minha família toda. E vou nessa ser a Ana Claudia mais um pouco, respirar coisas leves e aproveitar os prazeres da vida um pouquinho. Com a certeza de que a Claudinha voltará mais forte. Obrigada aos que são meus!! Beijos no coração de cada um!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️ #teamclaudia #teamgadelha #TeamCG #lifegoeson

A post shared by CG (@claudiagadelhaufc) on Sep 23, 2017 at 1:23am PDT

“No excuses. All merit goes to Jessica. Congratulations on your performance. Now my heart asks me to say something to you guys because I am feeling how much loved I am, how blessed I am, and how much I live the life I asked God for. I’m happy to see real friends and fans in defeat too, and that’s priceless. Thank you all for everything! I want to come here also to communicate that I will take some time off. I just went through 3 fights in 10 months, 10 months of much learning but also very tiring. I need time with my parents who are in Brazil loving me in the same way, my entire family as well. I’m going to be Ana Claudia a little more, breathe light things and enjoy the pleasures of life a little bit. With the certainty that Claudinha will come back stronger. Thanks to those who got my back!! Love you all!!”

Who would you like to see Claudia Gadelha fight in her next octagon appearance? Sound off PENN Nation!