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Valentina Shevchenko stretched her reign at Ultimate flyweight on Saturday in the main fight at UFC 255 in Las Vegas, USA. The Kyrgyz fighter defended the belt for the fourth time by defeating the Brazilian Jennifer Maia – who showed a great career during the five rounds – by unanimous decision (triple 49-46).
– I was glad I did five rounds after not fighting for so long. I needed that fighting spirit to show me that nothing worries me. I knew Jennifer would not be an easy fight, I saw what she does, she never gives up. I knew it would be a great title fight.
Valentina Shevchenko defeated Jennifer Maia at UFC 255 – Photo: Getty Images
Owner of a lineup consisting of 20 wins and three losses, Valentina Shevchenko lost for the last time in 2017 to Amanda Nunes. Since then, she has lined up six opponents and, with four title defenses, has established herself as one of the best female fighters ever. Jennifer Maia, meanwhile, could not repeat the feat of Invicta – an event of which she was champion – and suffered the third setback of her career.
Valentina Shevchenko did not switch feet for more than 30 seconds with Jennifer Maia. The owner of the fly belt was successful in her first fall attempt. Upstairs, she worked on the Brazilian’s guard, who stopped Valentina’s game to avoid being hit. The Kyrgyz athlete – perhaps worried about a possible submission – controlled the actions, without punishing the Chute Boxe athlete.
In the second round, Valentina Shevchenko made a belt and knocked Jennifer Maia to the ground. This time, the Brazilian got up fast and cloned himself on the grid. The Curitiba woman presses “bullet” against the screen, annoyed and on her knees. Jennifer then toppled the champion, controlling from above. Valentina, from below, attacked in the triangle, well defended by the challenger. After losing the first set, Jennifer tied in the second round.
Valentina Shevchenko s Jennifer Maia: Warmth in the Octagon – Photo: Getty Images
Valentina Shevchenko connected two left crusaders to Jennifer Maia as soon as the third round began. Jennifer Maia responded the same way: the champion dodged her, however, she was pressed against the fence again. With bullet “bullet” he got rid of the melee, and the fight returned to the center of the octagon. Lightly, Shevchenko struck again with his left foot and delivered a beautiful fall, catching the curitibana on the floor of the cage. A minute before the end, Jennifer Maia, in the race, got up, hit a knee in the face of the champion, but fell in the final.
Valentina Shevchenko’s speed set the tone in the fourth round. The champion landed punches to Jennifer Maia’s face and left quickly to avoid being hit. When he realized the gap, he took up the fight on the ground, working on the half guard and protecting his face from the challenger. Jennifer ran away again, but Shevchenko put pressure – and weight – to stop any chance of a reaction from the Brazilian athlete. And there it stayed until the gong sounded.
Valentina Shevchenko continues with the UFC title – Photo: Getty Images
At the break of the fifth round. Jennifer Maia’s corner warned him: win the title, just by knocking out or submitting. And yet it was Valentina Shevchenko who set the pace. “Bullet” threw the blow, hurting the face of the Chute Boxe fighter. Jennifer faced the champion against the grid and, in vain, attempted a submission. When she hit Valentina Shevchenko back to the mat, the champion quickly dodged and struck a beautiful elbow, demonstrating impressive speed, precision and breath.
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