“She Has No Ground Game.”

Taila Santos is satisfied that Valentina Shevchenko is afraid to struggle her. 

They fought for the UFC flyweight title at UFC 275 this previous June. It was the hardest check in Shevchenko’s four-year title run as she scored a split-decision win over Santos. 

Santos (19-2) opted out of surgical procedure for a damaged orbital bone after the five-round conflict. Now, she’s wholesome and is on the lookout for one other alternative at UFC gold. 

“We’ve been asking for fights time and again — asking for the rematch, actually,” Santos informed MMA Fighting. “Tiago [Okamura, manager] spoke with Mick [Maynard] and the UFC, knowledgeable them I used to be effectively and coaching. They even mentioned that Valentina was operating. She requested them for fights, however not towards me.” (h/t MMA Preventing)

Taila Santos Says Everybody Is Avoiding Her 

The 29-year-old says the UFC are having a tough time discovering an opponent for her. She says many contenders are avoiding her, together with Shevchenko. In line with Santos, the champion has denied requests for a rematch. In June, one decide had it 48-47 for Santos over Shevchenko.

“All the women say Valentina is a monster, however I’ve been saying for some time she has no floor recreation,” Santos mentioned. “I confirmed that there was no motive to concern [her]. I knew she wouldn’t settle for a rematch after that struggle. I known as her out anyway, however I knew she wouldn’t take the danger of dropping her belt. She wouldn’t rematch me after I confirmed she was no huge deal. She’s scared.” (h/t MMA Preventing)

The #2 flyweight desires to face somebody near her rating. Santos is excited by combating earlier than the 12 months ends or throughout the starting of 2023. She talked about two potential opponents for her return.

“I’m ranked No. 2 within the UFC, so I want to struggle somebody round me,” Santos mentioned. “I want to struggle the No. 1, [Manon] Fiorot, or the one beneath me, [Katlyn] Chookagian. Folks maintain speaking and speaking, mentioning fighters which have retired already, however nobody says my title.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Santos is 4-1 in her final 5 octagon appearances. She has wins over Molly McCann, Joanne Wooden, Gillian Robertson and Roxanne Modafferi.