Claudia Gadelha on coaching 'TUF' opposite Joanna Jedrzejczyk: 'She's such a (expletive)'

CURITIBA, Brazil – Drama is often a manufactured part of the fight promotion business as well as the world of reality TV. When it comes to the animosity between Claudia Gadelha and strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, however, there’s little doubt the disdain is real.

No. 1 contender Gadelha (13-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) and champion Jedrzejczyk (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) are opposing coaches on the currently-airing “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 23 and will rematch for the title at the July 8 live finale, the eve of UFC 200. The event takes place at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The main card airs on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

The animosity between the two, stemming from Jedrzejczyk’s controversial decision win in their initial meeting at UFC on FOX 13 in December 2013 and ensuing trash talk, has been clear on the show. UFC President Dana White has gone on record as saying the two got into an actual fist fight during filming.

“It was very hard to be in the house with her,” Gadelha told MMAjunkie while in attendance at UFC 198 as a guest fighter. “She’s such a (expletive). Other times she’s trying to say things to me and bully me all the time. But I just don’t pay attention to her at any time because I was concentrating on my team. I wanted my team to win. I didn’t want to spend my energy on her.”

The opportunity to coach on “TUF” has provided multiple benefits to Gadelha. Not only does it land her the title shot she’s been clamoring for, public sentiment seems to have turned her way.

Jedrzejczyk has been criticized for her harsh handling of team members and overall attitude while Gadelha has been successful while taking a much softer approach.

Gadelha said she has seen the tide of public opinion turn through messages on social media.

“I’m getting a lot of messages on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and people are talking about Joanna,” Gadelha said. “I see that they don’t like what she’s doing. The thing is, I’m very respectful of everybody and she’s very disrespectful. So, I think she is showing who she is now.”

Check out the video above for more from Gadelha on her training and opportunity to capture the belt.

For more on The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.