Jessica-Rose Clark seeks revenge against UFC rival who put her out for almost a year: “I’ll fight her again and knock her out”
2 min read
Australian MMA fighter Jessica-Rose Clark is set to make her third comeback in as many years at UFC Fight Night Charlotte in North Carolina this Saturday. Clark, who has battled multiple injuries in the past three years, including dislocating her elbow and tearing several ligaments in her arm during a fight against Julija Stoliarenko last July, is now seeking a rematch against the fighter who caused her to be out of the sport for a year.
Clark (11-8-0) maintains that Stoliarenko deliberately continued the submission hold after she had tapped, causing more damage to her arm than necessary. “I was angry about that for a long time,” Clark said during a recent press interview published by Fox Sports Australia. “If she releases me there when I tapped, three months. But the fact (her) continuation caused the damage, caused me to be out for so long, I was angry about that for a long time.”
Despite her frustrations with Stoliarenko, Clark has taken a positive approach to her extended time away from the sport. “Because there is so much good that has come from me being forced to have that extended time off,” she said. “Initially though, I remember being in the cage thinking ‘f…, I’ve got to do this again?’… But having that time on the road, it helped me see I still have a lot of years left in this sport.“
Now, Clark is focused on her upcoming fight against Tainara Lisboa, stating that she is confident she can beat anyone in her division. “Physically and technically, I can compete with anyone,” she said. “It’s only self-doubt which has held me back and that’s something I’ve been working on. With a couple of wins, I believe I can be top 10, top five for sure.”
However, Clark still has her sights set on a rematch with Stoliarenko, and is determined to come out on top. “And when she does come back to bantamweight, I’ll fight her again and knock her out. I want that one back.”
Fans can tune in on ESPN+ to watch the UFC Charlotte prelims starting at noon EST time, and witness Clark’s perseverance and skill in action. One thing is for sure, win or lose, Clark is coming for Stoliarenko.
