Joanna Jedrzejczyk And Valentina Shevchenko Will Square Off In Toronto This Winter
Valentina Shevchenko a former UFC bantamweight title contender and former strawweight champion set to square off at UFC 231 for vacant UFC flyweight title on Dec. 8 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, TSN reported on Thursday.
Shevchenko (15-3) was expected to challenge inaugural flyweight champion Nicco Montano at UFC 228 earlier this month, but Montano pulled off from the card citing health concerns which led the promotion to stripped Montano of the strap, leaving the belt vacant. ‘Bullet’ last defeated Priscila Cachoeira via submission at UFC Fight Night 125 back in February. That contest was her debut in the flyweight division, after unsuccessfully challenging Amanda Nunes for the bantamweight title and lost via narrow split decision at UFC 215 back in September of 2017.
Jedrzejczyk (15-2) was the strawweight champion, and her move to flyweight was inevitable after back to back losses to Rose Namajunas. Jedrzejczyk last fought at UFC On Fox 30 when she scores a unanimous decision win over Tecia Torres in July.
Before entering UFC, both Jedrzejczyk and Shevchenko fought each other in Muay Thai three times. ‘Bullet’ won all three bouts.
UFC 231 is set to go down at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Dec. 8. A featherweight title fight between current champion Max Holloway and rising contender Brian Ortega is expected to headline the card.
