V. Shevchenko defeated J. Bate-Estaca and retained the flyweight belt in UFC 261. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
It didn't work for Brazil. In the first title fight of the UFC 261, held this Saturday (24), in Jacksonville (USA), Valentina Shevchenko asserted favoritism and did not give chances to Jessica Andrade, Bate-Estaca. With a dominant performance, the Kyrgyzstani gave the Paraná native no chance and left the Octagon with a knockout in the second round, retaining the flyweight title (up to 56,7kg).
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A favorite at the bookmakers, Valentina once again proved to be a complete athlete. Using grappling, the champion put pressure on the Brazilian from start to finish, knocking her rival down repeatedly.
With the result, the Kyrgyzstani won her fifth belt defense. Since she went down to flyweight, the athlete hasn't known what it's like to lose. The victory increases the athlete’s hegemony in the group.
Beaten on the main card, Bate-Estaca had his dream of winning his second title in the organization postponed. Former straw champion (up to 52,1kg.), the woman from Paraná could join the select group of athletes who won two titles in the company.
The fight
The confrontation began with Valentina taking the initiative with a low kick. Jéssica responded with a jab, which stopped in the champion's guard. Shevchenko touched the Brazilian's face with a punch combination. Bate-Estaca tried to enter the Kyrgyzstani's range of action, but the champion was attentive. After just over a minute, Valentina grabbed the Brazilian and took the duel to the ground. Andrade got up quickly, but the champion remained 'glued' to the challenger's back. Bate-Estaca managed to free himself, but received a high kick from his opponent. Shevchenko took advantage of her greater wingspan and touched the Paraná native more easily. Jéssica tried to press her rival against the bars, but the champion knocked the Brazilian down again. On Andrade's back, the champion looked for a choke, but the Tupiniquim defended herself well. The champion continued to press and did not give Bate-Estaca space. In the final seconds, Shevchenko took down the challenger again, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, Jéssica continued trying to shorten the distance. The Brazilian looked for a takedown, but ended up knocked down in the counterattack. From above, the champion put pressure on the Paraná native, who was unable to react. Showing a lot of courage, Bate-Estaca stayed on his feet and the duel started to be played on the fence. Acting safely, Valentina took the Brazilian to the ground again. In a position of advantage, Shevchenko blocked the Brazilian's arms and began to punish the Brazilian's face. Andrade tried to defend himself, but the confrontation was interrupted.
UFC 261 results
MAIN CARD
Welterweight Weight: Kamaru Usman derrotou Jorge masvidal by knockout at 1m02s of R2 – Fight for the belt
Straw weight: Rose namajunas defeated Zhang Weili by knockout at 1m18s of R1 – Fight for the belt
Fly weight: Valentina Shevchenko derrotou Jessica Stacker by technical knockout at 3m19s of R2 – Fight for the belt
Average weight: Uriah Hall derrotou Chris Weidman by technical knockout at 17 seconds. from R1
Light Heavyweight: Anthony Smith derrotou Jimmy crute by technical knockout 5m from R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Welterweight Weight: Randy Brown finished Alex Cowboy with a choke at 2m50s of R1
Welterweight Weight: Dwight Grant derrotou Stefan Sekulic in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Average weight: Brendan allen finished Karl Robertson with a heel hook at 4m55s of R1
Feather weight: pat sabatini derrotou Tristan connelly in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Danaa Batgerel derrotou Kevin Natividad by technical knockout at 50 seconds. from R1
Lightweight: kazula vargas defeated Rongzhu via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-26, 29-28)
Fly weight: Jeff Molina derrotou Aoriqileng in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-27, 29-28)
Straw weight: Ariane Sorriso derrotou Na Liang by technical knockout at 1m28s of R2
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