Wang Cong picked up a big win over Tracy Cortez at UFC 329, but she wasn’t done making headlines after the fight. The Chinese flyweight explained the story behind her fake eyelash gift at the ceremonial weigh-ins, doubled down on wanting another crack at Valentina Shevchenko, and revealed that her “Joker” nickname has nothing to do with the comic book villain people always assume.
“When she fought Rose (Namajunas) her eye lashes flew out during the fight so (I) prepared eye lashes in case she needed it,” Wang told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator at her post-fight scrum.
Wang explained that the playful gift of fake eyelashes wasn’t meant as a jab at Cortez. She said it stemmed from a misunderstanding over the rules during fight week, and once everything was cleared up, she quickly shifted her full attention back to the fight.
“(I) felt like maybe there’s misunderstanding in the language and the translation about the rules,” she said.
“But it’s alright. (I) adjusted very quick and (got) back into the fight.”
Wang also has her sights set on unfinished business at the top of the flyweight division. Believing she already holds a win over champion Valentina Shevchenko, she’s ready to settle the debate once and for all inside the octagon.
“You guys know she lost to me, and she (did) not agree on the result. If she (doesn’t) agree then let’s find out again in the octagon,” she said.
Wang also cleared up a common misconception about her nickname. While many assume it’s a reference to the famous comic book villain, she explained that “Joker” actually comes from the card game, where the Joker is considered the most powerful card.
“Joker’s not meaning the character in the movie. The joker is top card, the most powerful card in the poker game, that’s what (my) nickname means,” she said.
“The Joker means most powerful card.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Wang Cong above.
