V. Shevchenko (right) defeated L. Murphy (left) in the UFC 266. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Unstoppable. In the co-main event of UFC 266, held this Saturday (25), in Las Vegas (USA), gave the logic. Favorite in betting houses, Valentina Shevchenko shined again and completely nullified Lauren Murphy in the flyweight belt dispute (up to 56,7kg.). Dominant, the Kyrgyzstanist found victory in brutal fashion, with a knockout in the fourth round, retaining her title.
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This weekend, Shevchenko proved why she is considered one of the best fighters of all time. Acting safely, the athlete received few hits in four rounds and made the duel against the former Invicta FC champion seem easy.
With the triumph, Valentina completed her sixth title defense. Champion since 2018, the athlete also extended his undefeated streak to eight victories. Her last defeat came in 2017, when she was overcome by Amanda nunes.
Responsible for trying to make history and dethrone an MMA legend, Lauren Murphy was unable to repeat the good performances that led to the title fight. Before the duel, the athlete had promised that she would shock the world.
The fight
The confrontation began with the champion taking the initiative with a low kick. The challenger risked a jab, but ended up being hit with a direct hit. Valentina remained more aggressive, releasing more blows, while Lauren waited for the best moment to attack. Halfway through the stage, Shevchenko connected a kick and direct combination. The North American remained shy in the fight. The champion continued to bet on sequences of attacks and nullified Murphy's strategy. In the final seconds, Valentina took her opponent to the ground, but there was no more time.
In the second round, Shevchenko launched the first blow, with a direct blow, but this time, Lauren responded in kind. The challenger went into a grappling fight and pressed the champion against the bars. Shevchenko managed to free himself and the duel was fought again in the center of the Octagon. Faster, the Kyrgyzstani touched her opponent more and had an advantage in the clash. Halfway through the stage, the champion 'belted' and took down Murphy for the second time in the dispute. On top, Valentina tried transitions and struck from top to bottom. The assault ended with the Kyrgyzstani on top, attacking with elbows.
The third stage began with Shevchenko launching two high kicks in a row, but the attacks went unnoticed. Murphy tried to react, but couldn't get into the champion's range of action. Valentina continued to score with low kicks and did not allow her rival to improve. At the last minute, Shevchenko launched a combination of punches and kicks and forced her opponent to walk backwards. Almost at the end, the champion 'belted', attempted the takedown, but the timer ran to zero.
In the penultimate round, Lauren returned with the obligation to erase the losses in the previous stages. The champion, however, continued to follow the plan well and did not waste attacks. After just over a minute, Shevchenko attacked her opponent with a clean right to the face. Murphy responded with a jab, but the blow came in without power. Halfway through the round, Valentina rocked the challenger with a straight shot. The North American came close to falling and the Kyrgyzstani went for it. Shevchenko opted for a takedown and landed in an advantageous position. The champion launched attacks from top to bottom and Lauren defended herself as best she could. Valentina continued to punish until the referee stopped the fight.
UFC 266 results
MAIN CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Alexander Volkanovsky derrotou Brian ortega in the unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 49-46, 50-44) – Fight for the belt
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Valentina Shevchenko derrotou Lauren Murphy by technical knockout 4m from R4 – Fight for the belt
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Robbie Lawler derrotou Nick Diaz by technical knockout at 44s of R3
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Curtis blaydes derrotou Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Jessica Stacker derrotou Cynthia calvillo by technical knockout at 4m54s of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight (up to 61.kg): Merab Dvalishvili derrotou Marlon moraes by technical knockout at 4m25s of R3
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): Dan Hooker derrotou Nasrat Haqparast in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Heavy weight (up to 120,2kg): Chris Daukas defeated Shamil Abdurakhimov via TKO at 1m32s of R2
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Taila Santos defeated Roxanne Modafferi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Light weight (up to 70,3kg.): jalin turner finished Uros Medic with a rear naked choke at 4m01s of R1
Middleweight (up to 83,9kg): Nick Maximov defeated Cody Brundage in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Matthew Semelsberger defeated Martin Sano Jr. by knockout 15 seconds into R1
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Jonathan Pearce finished Omar Morales with a rear naked choke at 3m31s of R2
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