Valentina Shevchenko suspects that Nicco Montaño will not fight at UFC 228

V. Shevchenko (right) waited a few months to face N. Montaño (left). Photo: Reproduction/Facebook UFC

Nicco Montaño won the inaugural women's flyweight title against Roxanne Modafferi by unanimous decision of the judges at the TUF 26 Finale in December 2017. The champion entered the octagon injured and after winning she was out of action for eight months. On September 8th during UFC 228, the American returns to the octagon against Valentina Shevchenko in his first title defense. In an interview with the website “Combate.com”, 'Bullet' stated that he suspects the fight will not happen.

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“I'm feeling good, I'm one step closer (to the belt), because we still have a lot of time this month, anything can happen. I still don't trust Nicco much, because she said before that she was ready and didn't fight. I still have that feeling, but I'm going to prepare to do my best and I'm going to fight like I always do. This is very important to me, and I take it step by step to reach my goal” – said Valentina.

Shevchenko, in one of his many provocations to his rival, stated that Nicco could be lying about his injury. Even though she hopes that Montaño can claim an injury before the date of the event, Valentina is hopeful that the champion will be recovered and ready to fight.

“I think she will be in top shape because she was out for a while, but it's good because she has recovered from her injuries and won't be able to say she wasn't 100%. Now she is saying that she is ready to fight, is back to training and will fight 100%. That's what I want, and I'm very happy that she's healthy, because I'm going to have a really good challenge ahead of me,” said Bullet.

The Kyrgyzstani admits that she is at the peak of her career and ready to win the Ultimate belt. “I'm always in shape, I try not to lose shape. I never rest (much) after my fights, not even two weeks. Maybe after a few days I already think I need some action. But it all depends on the intensity of your training. I never train too hard if I don’t have to”, concluded Valentina.

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