5 opponents who could be next for Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC
Valentina Shevchenko successfully retained her women’s flyweight championship by defeating Taila Santos via split decision at UFC 275. It was her seventh title defense, which passed Ronda Rousey for most women’s championship defenses in the promotion’s history. She also kept her No.1 ranking and status as top pound-for-pound women’s fighter in the promotion.
Although she retained her title, it wasn’t a dominant performance like some of her past flyweight bouts. ‘Bullet’ was tested as Santos posed a threat with her grappling throughout the fight. There were even those who disputed the split decision win on social media as they felt the challenger was more deserving. However, a win is a win and the fight was a learning experience for the champion.
It remains to be seen what the promotion has in store for Shevchenko following her win. She has defeated the best the division has to offer and perhaps will contemplate a return to bantamweight.
This list will look at five opponents who could be next for Valentina Shevchenko in the UFC.
#5. Winner of former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade vs. Manon Fiorot
Stepping in for a bout in enemy territory? Jessica Andrade says no problem. 🇫🇷
News via @mma_kings, @Farah_Hannoun.
#UFCParis | bit.ly/AndradeFiorot https://t.co/SQiD0BUUKs
No.4-ranked UFC women’s flyweight Jessica Andrade has a great opportunity to get another title shot and rematch with Shevchenko. She has won back-to-back fights since her loss to ‘Bullet’, with her most recent win coming at strawweight. Standing in her way is Manon Fiorot, who has put together an impressive winning streak of her own
Fiorot was originally scheduled to fight No.1-ranked Katlyn Chookagian, but the former title challenger was forced off due to injury. ‘The Beast’ joined the promotion in 2021 and has won all her bouts inside the octagon. During her quick ascension up the flyweight rankings, she defeated Victoria Leonardo, Tabatha Ricci, Mayra Bueno Silva, and Jennifer Maia.
What’s most impressive about Fiorot’s winning streak is that her lone loss came in a catchweight bout against featherweight Leah McCourt. If ‘The Beast’ gets past ‘Bate Estaca’, fans could witness a slugfest between herself and ‘Bullet’ as they are knockout artists.