Valentina Shevchenko isn’t regarding herself with the potential risk that Erin Blanchfield presents simply but.
On February, 18, Blanchfield scored the biggest win of her UFC profession, besting former UFC strawweight champion Jessica Andrade through submission of their Battle Evening predominant 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 displaying towards Andrade, Blanchfield referred to as out the reigning UFC flyweight titleholder, Valentina Shevchenko. Sharing her ideas on Blanchfield’s latest stand up the rankings and subsequent callout, Shevchenko was little greater than amused, suggesting ‘Chilly Blooded’ has a protracted method to go earlier than she will begin lobbying for a title alternative.
“It’s enjoyable to see these younger athletes communicate 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 finest. I keep in mind Maycee Barber, she mentioned one thing related about beating everybody and changing into champion. However as soon as an individual offers with struggles, it will probably 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 finest? Uncertain.” (h/t Sports Illustrated)
Valentina Shevchenko is Targeted on Self Enchancment and Her Subsequent Challenger
Shevchenko continued, “I’ve no time for anything however coaching and onerous 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 an entire martial artist. I don’t depend on one approach. I’ve excessive expectations and I can’t 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 quite a lot of methods for me to be higher.”
At present, Valentina Shevchenko is targeted on her title protection this Saturday night time towards Alexa Grasso. The pair co-headline UFC 285 which is able to 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 instances. Seeking to maintain her from including an eighth profitable protection to her resume might 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.
