Valentina Shevchenko isn’t regarding herself with the potential menace that Erin Blanchfield presents simply but.
On February, 18, Blanchfield scored the most important win of her UFC profession, besting former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade through submission of their Struggle Night time fundamental occasion. The win thrust ‘Chilly Blooded’ into the No. 3 spot within the flyweight rankings and will put her one win away from a UFC title alternative. Extending her undefeated run to 5-0 contained in the Octagon, Blanchfield has appeared more and more spectacular, incomes submissions in her final three bouts.
Seeking to seize the second after her spectacular exhibiting towards Andrade, Blanchfield referred to as out the reigning UFC flyweight titleholder, Valentina Shevchenko. Sharing her ideas on Blanchfield’s current stand up the rankings and subsequent callout, Shevchenko was little greater than amused, suggesting ‘Chilly Blooded’ has a protracted option to go earlier than she will be able to begin lobbying for a title alternative.
“It’s enjoyable to see these younger athletes converse out,” says Valentina Shevchenko, responding to Blanchfield’s callout. “She has 5 fights expertise [in the UFC]. That’s nothing. That’s not touring to different international locations or competing towards their greatest. I keep in mind Maycee Barber, she stated one thing related about beating everybody and turning into champion. However as soon as an individual offers with struggles, it may both break them or construct their confidence. Let’s not neglect that Jéssica took the combat on one week’s discover. She beat her, however was that Jéssica’s greatest? Uncertain.” (h/t Sports activities Illustrated)
Valentina Shevchenko is Centered on Self Enchancment and Her Subsequent Challenger
Shevchenko continued, “I’ve no time for anything however coaching and exhausting sparring. I’m celebrating 30 years as a martial artist. I’ve a real dedication to the artwork. When I’m true to martial arts, I’m true to myself… I’m a whole martial artist. I don’t depend on one approach. I’ve excessive expectations and I can not disappoint myself. But it surely all begins with me controlling my very own ideas. I all the time stay robust, and I’m all the time pushing myself to be higher. There are nonetheless numerous methods for me to be higher.”
Presently, Valentina Shevchenko is concentrated on her title protection this Saturday night time towards Alexa Grasso. The pair co-headline UFC 285 which can characteristic the extremely anticipated return of sunshine heavyweight GOAT Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
Defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk in 2018 to seize the flyweight championship, Valentina Shevchenko has efficiently defended her crown seven occasions. Seeking to hold her from including an eighth profitable protection to her resume will probably be streaking contender Alexa Grasso. Combating out of Guadalajara, Mexico, Grasso earned her spot in Saturday’s co-main occasion incomes four-straight wins towards Ji Yeon Kim, Maycee Barber, Joanne Wooden, and Viviane Araujo.
