Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning UFC Women’s flyweight champion and the 2nd ranked women’s P4P fighter, wants to up the difficulty by some notches- and calls for a showdown against Amanda Nunes or Zhang Weili, the women’s bantamweight and strawweight titlists, respectively.
If they call me tomorrow, I’m ready tomorrow: Valentina Shevchenko
As “Bullet” continues to dominate through everything her division has to offer, she marked her seventh straight title defense in a tough, controversial split decision win over Taila Santos at UFC 275 last June, the first time in five years when Shevchenko was tested well and good in the cage.
Having gone six months without action, the Kyrgyz-Peruvian fighter spoke to the UFC about her desire to fight last month, but no potential opponent was found, while adding that she’s fight ready and can step into action even the next day.
“I wanted to fight in December, but it’s my understanding that it was hard to find an opponent,” said Shevchenko. “I’m just here, training all the time, almost every day, waiting for the call. I’ve been ready since I don’t know — since September? If they call me tomorrow, I’m ready tomorrow.”
“I want to fight frequently, but I realize this is a problem for the UFC to find opponents in order for me to fight frequently,” the 34-year-old went on, “My understanding is that everyone would love to fight for a title, so what’s happening with you girls? Why so quiet?”
Shevchenko’s last defeat in the Octagon dates back to 2017- in her second defeat to Nunes at UFC 215. While she’s 0-2 against the Brazilian, Shevchenko is still ready for a third encounter with her longtime rival, as well as Zhang Weili.
“The champion is ready, so just bring everyone who is ready,” she went on, “March sounds like very good timing. It’s already January and with all the holidays and New Year, it’s going to run so quickly. March is good timing; it’s kind of perfect. And I would say that I’m open to all opportunities,” she added. “I like the idea of all these potential challengers.”
“After this break, I would like to defend my belt once more for the next one, but yes, I’m definitely ready for Amanda and Weili. Weili did a very good fight her last fight, she got stronger, and it’s very interesting to watch her fight. I’m definitely open to fight any of these girls,” added Shevchenko.
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