On the last Saturday, November 11th, we witnessed the triumphant return of the "old" Bate-Estaca that we were accustomed to seeing. The former strawweight champion (52kg) not only won but also convincingly defeated Mackenzie Dern, a formidable opponent who came well-prepared to give her best.
Currently ranked fifth (at the time of this article), Jessica is already dreaming of reclaiming the category's belt, and her excellent relationship with Dana White reinforces her favorable position. I look forward to seeing Jessica compete and regain the title; I believe she deserves all the success.
Before this victory, Jessica had lost the last three fights. Today, we will explore the psychological aspect and how our relationships can influence our sports performance.
The facts I will share here are based solely on Jessica's publicly stated comments; I won't assume or judge anything. As a fan of Jessica, I would love to work with her as a mental coach one day, so if anyone watching this video knows her, please let her know.
At the beginning of the year, Jessica shared that she was going through a divorce process and needed resources to cover lawyers and the entire divorce process. Although I don't know the details of what happened (and even if I did, I would respect privacy), the separation had an impact on her life, both financially and emotionally.
Jessica fought five times this year, winning the first against Lauren Murphy in January. However, defeats to Erin Blanchfield, Xianona Yan, and Tatiana Suarez followed. As a behavioral specialist familiar with professional athletes, especially MMA fighters, I can clearly perceive when something is amiss, particularly with an athlete like Jessica Andrade.
In the last Saturday's fight, Jessica showed a noticeable difference. From the moment she entered, it was clear that something had changed. I noticed a different motivation, going beyond money—a genuine pleasure in fighting and competing. The true Jessica Andrade, the Bate-Estaca, had returned!
Jessica commented: "It's not the same amount as hers, thank God, but I have to pay alimony too. Until the process is over, there's nowhere to run. It's also one of the reasons for fighting so much this year. Because there were many expenses with a lawyer here (USA) and in Brazil. I'm not just filing a process here; I'm filing one in Brazil too. There's a lot involving finances, and I'm really doing five fights this year because of it. It wouldn't be necessary for the amount I earn within the UFC. But because of the divorce and the fear of 'I don't know when I'll fight again,' what if an injury or something happens, then we have to keep fighting."
The lesson we can draw from this is multifaceted. First, we understand the importance of our personal relationships and how they interfere with our work, especially in the context of sports performance. It's crucial to choose partners who help us; if we see that someone is not contributing positively, it's best to end it.
Second, motivation is crucial. When motivation doesn't extend beyond financial aspects, achieving the best performance is challenging. In Jessica's example, she initially fought primarily for money. There's nothing wrong with that, but this type of motivation doesn't provide the ideal conditions for the best performance. As a mental coach, I would seek to align Jessica's financial factor with her purpose, putting her in a more favorable position for victory.
Therefore, aligning with your purpose and goals is crucial to achieve the best possible performance. I wish Jessica the best of luck; at 32, she still has a lot ahead. I'll be cheering for her, and who knows, one day, I may have the honor of helping her as a mental coach. It would be a pleasure!
