Ahead of Amanda Nunes’ first featherweight title defense at UFC 250, former opponent Valentina Shevchenko weighed in on a potential trilogy fight with the double champion.

If Conor McGregor had to start a female GOAT thread, there is absolutely no doubt that we would see Amanda Nunes somewhere on the list. The only other women worthy to be in the GOAT conversation are Cris Cyborg and Valentina Shevchenko. And Nunes has beaten both of them.

Nunes defeated Cyborg in 2018 to capture the featherweight strap. And as far as Valentina is concerned, “The Lioness” has already beaten her twice. The second fight, however, was a split decision victory. Many fans believe that “The Bullet” should have been awarded the win.

Nevertheless, Shevchenko claims that she has enough data on Nunes to beat her. But as of now, she is only worried about the contenders in her weight class.

Valentina Shevchenko feels that 125 lbs division is optimal for her

“So when I started fighting in the UFC, I always fought in the 135 lbs division. That’s a division higher than where I fight now. So all my opponents were heavier, taller, and stronger than me.

“I had no problems with that. I felt confident in that division. But when you’re fighting a weight class above you, you feel that it’s not for you since you have to try harder, think more about what you have to do, and you cant reach your potential. Because you always have to be careful because the fighters are stronger,” Shevchenko told RT Sport.

Top Stories

Diego Lopes Sent to Hospital After Serious Injuries Sustained at UFC 325

Dana White’s Nightmare Continues as UFC 325 ‘Robbery’ and Paramount+ Issues Anger Fans

UFC Star Gives Classy Response to Inappropriate Question About Ian Garry’s Family Amid Race to Fight Islam Makhachev

UFC 325 Fans Turn On Mauricio Ruffy as Conor McGregor Receives New Contender for White House Fight

Potential New UFC 326 Co-Main Event Emerges as Fight of the Year Winner Steps Up

The Kyrgyzstani-born Peruvian stated that it is important for her to fight in the right weight division, as she can focus on her training and improve herself during training sessions. Shevchenko feels more confident in the 125 lbs weight class because she does not have to worry about anything besides training.

“Right now I feel like I am at the right place, at the right time, in the right division. I want to do as much as I can in right where I am at.”

Will Shevchenko fight Amanda Nunes for the third time?

There is no doubt that Valentina wants to fight Nunes. But it has to be on her terms. She opined that she can be her best self at flyweight as it is her natural weight class. And that is exactly where she wants to challenge Nunes.

“I’d love to. I’d love to fight Amanda Nunes at 125 lbs. She said she can easily cut weight. Bring her on,” Valentina said.

A few months ago, Nunes expressed her desire to capture more belts. She deems that a move to flyweight is possible. But she needs a year to prepare for it.

Do you want to see Nunes face off against Shevchenko at flyweight?