Taila Santos accuses Valentina Shevchenko of running away from a rematch: 'I showed that she's no big deal'

T. Santos (left) fighting V. Shevchenko (right) in UFC 275. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tailasantos.ufc

Almost six months after being defeated by Valentina Shevchenko in a controversial fight, Taila Santos guarantees that she is trying, unsuccessfully, for a rematch against the flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg).

In an interview with the North American website “MMA Fighting”, the Brazilian revealed that she had already directly asked the UFC to face the Kyrgyz-Peruvian again, but accused the champion of “running away” from the duel.

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“We’re asking for fights all the time. Asking for a rematch, really. Tiago (Okamura, manager) spoke to Mick (Maynard) and the UFC, he informed them that I was fine and training. They even said that Valentina is running away. She asked them to fight, but not against me. (…) I'm training and waiting, but it's difficult to get a fight. I wanted a rematch, but Valentina didn't agree. According to her social media, she is just traveling,” said Taila.

Valentina Shevchenko e Taila Santos faced each other in the co-main event of the UFC 275, in June. Widely favored for the duel, the champion had difficulties with the Brazilian's ground game and entered the fourth round losing the fight in the opinion of two of the three judges. Everything changed when an accidental clash of heads fractured Taila's orbital bone, allowing the Kyrgyz-Peruvian to grow in the fight and take victory in a split decision.

“All the girls say Valentina is a monster, but I've been saying for a while that she doesn't have a solo game. I showed her that there was no reason to be afraid of her. I knew she wouldn't accept a rematch after the fight, I still challenged her, but I knew she wouldn't risk losing the belt. She wouldn't stand up to me after I showed her that she's no big deal. She’s afraid”, provoked the Brazilian.

If a rematch is not really possible, Taila Santos has two names in his sights for his next fight in Ultimate.

“I'm number 2 in the rankings, so I'd like to face someone close to me. I would face number 1, Manon Fiorot, or one below me, Katlyin Chookagian. People keep talking and talking, even mentioning fighters who have already retired, but no one says my name,” she concluded.