5 intriguing challengers for Valentina Shevchenko's UFC title
![Valentina Shevchenko is cleaning out the flyweight division [Image via @bulletvalentina on Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/06/b285e-16550187311761-1920.jpg?w=500)
Valentina Shevchenko has more title defenses than any other current UFC champion. She is among the most dominant titleholders in all of MMA and is universally recognized as one of the greatest martial artists on the planet, irrespective of gender.
Since becoming the flyweight champion in 2018, Shevchenko has reeled off seven title defenses. She has beaten the likes of Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Jessica Eye, Katlyn Chookagian, Jennifer Maia, Jessica Andrade, Lauren Murphy and, most recently, Taila Santos.
Shevchenko is far ahead of her peers at 125 pounds, in terms of both experience and skill. It's hard to imagine any fighter dethroning her, especially as she continues to improve. However, MMA is an unpredictable sport and we've seen numerous dominant champions lose their titles in shocking upsets.
On that note, here are five intriguing challengers for Valentina Shevchenko's flyweight title.
#5. Erin Blanchfield
Erin Blanchfield may not look anything like a professional cagefighter. However, when the octagon door slams shut, 'Cold Blooded' is as fierce and relentless as the best female fighters in the world.
Blanchfield joined the UFC last summer and has already picked up three dominant wins to catapult herself into the 125-pound rankings.
Blanchfield's record stands at 9-1, with the lone loss of her career coming via split decision. Her suffocating style was on full display at UFC Vegas 56, where she finished JJ Aldrich with a guillotine choke to pick up her first stoppage in the promotion.
Still just 23 years old, Blanchfield has a long way to go in her career. If she continues to improve with every passing fight, we undoubtedly have a future title challenger on our hands.
Following her latest submission victory over Aldrich, Blanchfield appeared on The MMA Hour to discuss her title aspirations. The promising flyweight contender highlighted her desire to lock horns with Valentina Shevchenko at some point down the line, claiming that she wants to be the one to dethrone the long-reigning champion.