UFC newcomer Jasmyn Jasudavicius felt that bigger-than-life UFC spotlight before her promotional debut at UFC 270. However, she says she wins her promotional contract Dana White’s Contender Series played a crucial role in avoiding the dreaded Octagon jitters.
MMA fighters at any level are filled with nerve energy and adrenaline as they head to the cage. It’s a fight, who would not feel all kinds of emotions? However, there are even levels of nerves and excitement, and when it comes to a UFC debut, they do not get higher. And Jasudavicius (7-1) felt it before her first UFC outing last week.
That first step to the Octagon could be a surreal moment. This is one that every fighter dreams of, and the 32-year-old says she was filled with nervous excitement, legitimate joy, and had to escape from it before her fight with Kay Hansen (7-5) began.
Jasmine Jasudavicius explains that DWCS helps avoid debut Octagon jitters
“It was a bit [surreal] and a bit of [enjoyment], ”Jasudavicious told MixedMartialArts.com about her first step UFC move. “I started walking and, you know, the fans and everyone cheered just as you walked out and I was getting up. Like, “Wow, let’s go!” I got so rushed. And then I get closer [to the Octagon], and I was like, ‘sh * it, I just enjoy it too much. I have to remember I’m going there to fight. ‘ So you could see in the video I am [taking deep breaths]. It was me who switched [focus] and get ready to delete. It was all business after that. No more fun. ”
However, the ability to refocus and make that match just like any other is not easy for all fighters. For years, the term “Octagon jitters” has been coined by many competitors who are unhappy with their first UFC performances, after nerves of that special moment came to them. But the Canadian says she was able to avoid it all because of her experience competing on the Claimant Series in September. Although smaller than UFC events, it’s still a UFC production and has all the elements that can upset a young fighter who is not used to the bright lights of the big times.
“I am very happy that I first did the Contenders Series, and then came here. Because I feel like I got used to all that stuff from Contenders Series. When I fought on Contenders Series, it was very nerve-wracking. And I really noticed the cameras there, ”said Jasudavicius. “And I noticed when they called the countdown and I was like, ‘Oh shit, it’s getting closer.’
“I noticed those things much more there, while it is now for this [debut] I was used to it. I knew how the organization works. It was a little different because it was a numbered card, but I was already comfortable. I was very happy that I did the Contenders Series first to get it kind of out of the way. ”
Jasudavicius speaks safe play in her UFC 270 victory
At UFC 270, Jasudavicius beat Hansen by unanimous decision and recorded her first UFC W. Although Octagon jitters were a no-brainer on fight night, she admits she’s not entirely happy with her performance at Anaheim’s Honda Center. And that she fought not to lose, instead of fighting in the third round to win. Something she expects to change in her next appearance in the Octagon.
“I played it safe [in the third round], ”Said Jasudavicius. “I wanted to get through my debut without any hiccups. It was like I knew I had won the first two rounds and I thought the best way to beat me was for her to catch me on something. So I was like I did not want to start opening my hands and she’s getting a takedown, and who knows what’s going right? If I end up on my back or whatever. I did not want to give her any opportunities. “
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