The co-main event of UFC 255 will see Valentina Shevchenko and Jennifer Maia fight for the women’s flyweight title. ‘The Bullet’ Shevchenko is the current champion and will look to defend her title for the fourth time.
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On Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show, the Champion shared her thoughts on her upcoming bout, her future in the UFC, and some astounding facts on her mother, Elena Shevchenko.
Shevchenko said, ”My mom was preparing for a bout like 2 months for World IFMA Muay Thai Championships and say do it like virtual championships in shadow boxing and Wai Kru the dance of Muay Thai, it’s a traditional dance. She became Muay Thai Champion in Shadowboxing.”
Her mother competed in Muay Thai World Championships at 50 and also been a multiple-time champion in Kyrgystan. ‘The Bullet’ said, “She has a gold medal and I am so proud to be her daughter and this is like so motivational for me.”
Elena inspired her daughters Valentina and Antonina Shevchenko to take up combat sports professionally. The duo is the first pair of sisters in UFC and will fight on the same card at UFC 255.
READ – Who is Valentina Shevchenko’s sister – Antonina Shevchenko?
UFC 255 Co-Main Event: Valentina Shevchenko vs Jennifer Maia
‘The Bullet’ possesses a professional MMA record of 19-3. She dominates her opponent with power striking coupled with good ground and pound skills.
Her last fight was in February against Katlyn Chookagian, wherein she emerged victorious in round 3 via TKO.
On either side of the coin, Maia will enter the Octagon on the back of her win against Joanne Calderwood. She can possess a threat to the champion with her takedown accuracy and prominent defense.
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EDMONTON, AB – SEPTEMBER 09: Valentina Shevchenko prepares to fight Amanda Nunes during UFC 215 at Rogers Place on September 9, 2017 in Edmonton, Canada. (Photo by Codie McLachlan/Getty Images)
The other Shevchenko, Antonina will fight Ariane Lipsky on the Preliminary card in a flyweight fight. She has an 8-2 pro-MMA record and will focus on keeping the fight on the ground.
Valentina, 32, is considered one of the finest women to step inside the Octagon. She is third in the Women’s Pound-for-pound rankings and would look to rule the flyweight division after Saturday night too.
Will the Shevchenko sisters leave the Octagon with their hand raised? What do you make of their inspiration to enter professional fighting? Let us know through the comments below.