Valentina Shevchenko has a few choices for whenever she decides to come back.
We last saw the UFC women’s flyweight champion at UFC 275, where she defended her title against Taila Santos in as close split decision victory. Following the controversial result, Shevchenko won’t be giving the on-par challenger an immediate rematch. Instead, she’s looking for someone she has yet to face [or in one case, hasn’t faced in a while].
Shevchenko Considers Two Names
There’s a few women in her division (and outside it) that ‘Bullet’ could target next. However, there’s two fighters that stand above the rest for Shevchenko.
“I would consider two names: It’s Alexa Grasso and Fiorot,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie. “These are two challengers that are extremely good and ready for this title test. I think any of them.”
What About Amanda Nunes?
While Shevchenko is considering fighting flyweight contenders, she admits that a trilogy fight with Amanda Nunes also ‘makes sense’ for her. Shevchenko has only lost to Nunes inside the Octagon, which were close decisions at UFC 196 and UFC 215, years ago. Being the competitor that she is, the champion still wants to avenge those losses.
“There is interest always, and I’m actually ready for that, because it’s a fight that makes sense,” Shevchenko said of potentially fighting Nunes again. “But yeah, let’s see how everything plays out, because I think any bright names, any super-fights would be good.”
Improvements ‘Not Gonna Help’ Zhang Weili In Fight Against Shevchenko
Open to super-fights, newly crowned UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili was another name thrown into the mix of possible fights for Shevchenko. But, let’s just say Shevchenko isn’t too worried about the insane evolution Weili has shown in her recent performances.
“Definitely it’s one of the options that can happen,” Shevchenko said of Weili. “I saw her recent fights. She got stronger, more tactical, but if a fight is gonna happen, it’s not gonna help her.”