Loopy Godinez is set to compete this Saturday in Chicago at UFC 319 with a significant chance to elevate her standing in the strawweight division. Ranked 11th, Godinez will face former champion Jessica Andrade in a bout that could dramatically propel her into the UFC title conversation. After competitive yet unsuccessful efforts against top contenders Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern, this fight represents a vital moment for Godinez’s career.
Learning from Past Battles and Strategic Growth
The Mexican fighter from Aguascalientes has been part of the UFC roster for over four years, consistently showing the skills necessary for elite competition. In her March victory against Julia Polastri, Godinez demonstrated a more strategic approach, refining her style to focus on her strengths rather than adapting too much to her opponents’ tactics. This evolution is expected to continue in her upcoming challenge against Andrade.
This is the door that I need to open.
—Loopy Godinez
Beating her, I think that will put me up there in the rankings,
she said.
I think this is just going to open a huge other level and opportunities for myself.
—Loopy Godinez
I have changed my training and it’s been really strategic,
Godinez explained.
I feel like I have improved the area of my brain as an athlete, evolving to where I say, ‘Okay, you need to have a lot of aggression and be cold, but, at the same time, you do need a strategy to beat your opponents.’ I cannot fight this girl how I fought the last girl and how I fought the other girl; every girl needs her own strategy. That’s what I have learned this past year.
—Loopy Godinez
Training Adjustments and Personal Stability Strengthen Godinez
Godinez recently returned to full-time training in Canada, her adopted home, after spending time traveling to Mexico for camps. This stability has boosted her morale and preparedness, reinforcing both her physical and mental readiness for critical fights.
I’m really happy here, close to my family, and there’s nothing better than just being around your family and feeling happy,
Godinez shared, acknowledging the supportive environment that has contributed to her growth.
I’ve been working really hard,
she added.
I’ve been training a lot, training super hard. And I realized that getting punched in the face doesn’t mean you’re losing; it doesn’t mean anything. You have to be thinking always neutral. It doesn’t matter even if I’m winning, because every round is fresh. Every minute that you are in the cage, anything can happen. So yeah, you’re winning the round, but you still have to finish that round, because we all know that one punch can change all your winning minutes. I guess I’m just putting it in my brain to be focused every single second of the fight, no matter if I’m winning, losing, it doesn’t matter. You stay focused and you see everything coming so you can make the best move.
—Loopy Godinez
Preparedness to Challenge a Seasoned Opponent
Jessica Andrade has won her last two matches at 115 pounds against Mackenzie Dern and Marina Rodriguez, making her a formidable adversary for Godinez. However, Godinez is confident that she can control the pace and dictate the fight’s flow when the bout starts.
It’s going to be right there for me to change levels, for me to welcome her inside with some punches,
Godinez said.
I can do a lot. I can work with that very well.
—Loopy Godinez
What to Expect From UFC 319 at United Center
UFC 319 will take place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The prelim fights begin at 8pm ET/5pm PT, with the main card following live on pay-per-view starting at 10pm ET/7pm PT. Fans should anticipate an intense atmosphere as fighters like Godinez compete for rankings and future title chances in a stacked event highlighted by a main event featuring Du Plessis versus Chimaev.
Implications of a Win for Godinez’s Career Trajectory
A victory over a high-profile opponent like Andrade would mark a pivotal turning point in Godinez’s career, significantly improving her position in the UFC strawweight rankings and opening doors for higher-stakes matchups. With her focused training, strategic mindset, and personal stability, Godinez aims to break through and move closer to a UFC title opportunity, turning the pressure of this fight into an advantage.