Valentina Shevchenko names two potential opponents for her next title defense
UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko has named two potential opponents for her next title defense at 125lbs.
Shevchenko hasn’t fought since June at UFC 275, when she won a controversial split decision over Taila Santos in a fight that many felt the Brazilian won. However, while an immediate rematch had been discussed, for whatever reason it doesn’t appear as though this fight is going to happen next. Instead, it appears as though Shevchenko is going to have to fight someone else next, and she has two names on her mind in particular.
Speaking to MMAjunkie.com at the recent World MMA Awards red carpet, Shevchenko listed two names who she says are in contention for her next title defense at 125lbs. First is the No. 1 ranked contender, Manon Fiorot, and the second is the No. 5 contender, Alexa Grasso. Shevchenko has not fought either of these opponents yet, so they would both be fresh fights for her, and she’s open to fighting any of these two title challengers next.
“I would consider two names: It’s Alexa Grasso and Fiorot. These are two challengers that are extremely good and ready for this title test. I think any of them,” Shevchenko said.
Fiorot is a perfect 5-0 in the UFC and she most recently defeated former title challenger Katlyn Chookagian to become the No. 1 contender at 125lbs. Fiorot has made it clear that she wants a title shot next, and there seems to be a good chance that she gets it.
As for Grasso, she is a perfect 4-0 since moving up to the UFC women’s flyweight division, and she defeated Viviane Araujo in her last fight for the biggest win of her career to date. She said that she wants one more fight before a title shot, but she may get it anyways.
Who do you want to see Valentina Shevchenko fight next for the women’s 125lbs belt?
