V. Shevchenko at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
The victory of Jennifer maia about Joanne calderwood may have surprised fans and the press, but it didn't Valentina Shevchenko. The flyweight champion (56,7kg), who will face the Brazilian in UFC 255, on November 21st, noticed a clear difference between her and the Scottish woman. To the North American website MMA fighting, 'Bullet' praised Jennifer's performance and surprised her by revealing that she hopes to face not only the best version of her, but also that of all her opponents in the octagon.
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“That’s MMA. We never know what will happen. Jennifer prepared as if it were the last fight of her life. You could see it in her eyes. She was hungry for victory. JoJo, I don't know. In my opinion, she didn't show up. Sometimes this happens to fighters. It doesn't matter how good the preparation is, it just happens. I don't know if it's something mental, but things change. I have a new opponent and I'm happy to face Jennifer. For me, it really doesn't matter who is in front of me. I will prepare as best I can. I also want my opponents to be the best versions of themselves,” said Shevchenko.
Originally, Calderwood would be the category's challenger, but when she agreed to face Jennifer, at the last minute, she lost her position and was criticized for it. However, the Scottish woman was defended by the champion.
“It’s difficult to understand someone else’s decision. Never know. Probably, JoJo needed to fight, stay active. No one can judge her for that. I think so too. I want to stay active. She wanted to fight and no one can criticize her. She was surprised. She expected to win, get paid well and fight, again, in November,” she concluded.
Before starting his flyweight reign, Valentina Shevchenko he even fought for the bantamweight belt (61,2kg) and lost by split decision to number one, Amanda nunes, in 2017. Since then, 'Bullet' has won five consecutive fights, including three title defenses and, like the Brazilian, has become one of the most dominant champions in women's MMA.
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