V. Shevchenko (right) defends K. Chookagian belt in the UFC 246. Photo: Reproduction / Facebook ufcbrasil
The flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg.), Valentina Shevchenko, is close to defending his belt again. This Saturday, the athlete faces Katklyn Chookagian for the number one spot, but the fighter didn't shy away from questions about a possible superfight against the current owner of the strawweight title (up to 51,2 kg.), Weili Zhang. In an interview with ‘MMA Fighting’, the Kyrgyzstani minimized the chance of the duel happening and explained the refusal of a fight against the Chinese.
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“A few months ago, no one knew who the Chinese woman Weili was. I didn't know where she was in the rankings, but, because of lucky circumstances, she became champion, but she still has a lot to prove that she is in the right place and that there is no one better than her”, said Valentina.
According to Shevchenko, the Chinese needs to defend her title and test herself against athletes who the Kyrgyzstani believes could put Zhang's reign at risk. The flyweight champion gave examples of possible confrontations so that Weili can prove her talent.
“She still has Joanna (Jędrzejczyk), which is a very big test for her. She has Rose (Namajunas), who is also a tough duel and still has Tatiana Suarez placeholder image (current number three in the straw rankings). So, before she proves herself against these athletes, I don't think it's right for her to jump the steps. It’s not correct,” she concluded.
Like Shevchenko, Zhang also has his title defense scheduled. The Chinese will face a tough confrontation against the former division champion, Joanna Jędrzejczyk on the card that takes place on March 7, in Las Vegas. This will be Weili's first fight since winning the UFC title.
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