Valentina Shevchenko was simply too much for Joanna Jedrzejczyk to handle at UFC 231, as she earned a three-round unanimous decision to claim the vacant UFC women’s flyweight championship.
When Nicco Montano was stripped of her flyweight title following a blown weight cut ahead of UFC 228, there was one fight on everyone’s mind. One fight that fans around the world wanted to see for the UFC’s women’s flyweight championship: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk. After a false start (the fight was booked, called off, then booked again), they got their wish at UFC 231.
The rivalry between the two was a dated one, going back to their Muay Thai days. Shevchenko held three wins over Jedrzejczyk. Yet that was a lifetime ago, in another sport.
Still, things didn’t go much better for Jedrzejczyk on Saturday night. Valentina Shevchenko had the clear strength advantage, not surprising since she was dropping down from 135lbs. She was able to take Jedrzejczyk down early, and while the former strawweight champ was able to make it back to her feet, the early takedown set the tone for the fight. Even when Shevchenko slowed slightly in the latter rounds, it never felt like Joanna was close to taking control of the fight.
In the end, the #AndNew came before Valentina Shevchenko’s name. At long last, ‘Bullet’ has the UFC championship she has sought for so long. See how the pros reacted to the win below.
Here we go!!
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk at #UFC231 right now! pic.twitter.com/UTz5osCkAK
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 9, 2018
Lots of ‘chenko going on right now. #ufc231 #loma
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) December 9, 2018
I had a feeling Valentina would take it to the ground #UFC231
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) December 9, 2018
Nice stand up by Joanna #UFC231
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) December 9, 2018
That sick spin back kick doooow!! Great striking by Valentina #ufc231
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) December 9, 2018
I got Valentina winning that round. But good round overall! Seems like Valentina has a strength advantage #UFC231
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) December 9, 2018
Shevchenko very conservative with her movements. Sliding just out of the way when Joanna throws. 1-0 #ufc231
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 9, 2018
Joanna needs to switch things up or this fight W will easily run away with Shevchenko.#UFC231
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) December 9, 2018
Valentina is just to strong and technical
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) December 9, 2018
Valentina has great counter strikes and catches kicks really well #ufc231
— Brian Kelleher (@brianboom135) December 9, 2018
Shevchenko clearly wins but apparently significant strikes were the same. Wouldn’t have thought that. #ufc231
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 9, 2018
#AndNew women's FLW champ! @BulletValentina takes the UD at #UFC231. pic.twitter.com/ug9uvWTHKU
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) December 9, 2018
125 has a Queen! 👑@BulletValentina with the decision at #UFC231! pic.twitter.com/1JnscgzgMU
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 9, 2018
Great fight, Shevchenko mixing in the takedowns made it look like she was cruising and that spin kick counter to the legkick was crazy impressive! But now we have to watch that dance again… ::sigh:: #UFC231
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) December 9, 2018
Oh shit no dance!! Now I’m a fan, hahaha
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) December 9, 2018
Christmas came early for mma fans. First Joanna and Valentina and we still got Ortega vs Holloway 🤩 #UFC231
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) December 9, 2018
Shevchenko again with a dominant round. Striking at range then big body locks and slams for ground control 2-0 #ufc231
— Sarah Kaufman (@mmasarah) December 9, 2018
The head kick!!@JoannaMMA #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/gZrxmvMWVV
— UFC (@ufc) December 9, 2018
Christmas came early for mma fans. First Joanna and Valentina and we still got Ortega vs Holloway 🤩 #UFC231
— Kay Hansen (@KayHansenMMA) December 9, 2018
Congrats @BulletValentina 🙏🏽#UFC231
— Tatiana Suarez (@TSPMMA115) December 9, 2018
Congrats on your first UFC title @BulletValentina #AndNew #UFC231 pic.twitter.com/x5NHITbTjV
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic) December 9, 2018
She needs to shove a twerk in there.. mix it up, keep us guessin.
— Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) December 9, 2018
