Pros Including Bisping, VanZant React to Valentina Shevchenko Battering Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247

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Valentina Shevchenko UFC
Valentina Shevchenko Credit: Mike Straus/Cageside Press

The co-main event of UFC 247 had Valentina Shevchenko looking to make her first title defense of 2020. Since arriving in the 125lb division, “Bullet” had been absolutely perfect, and perfectly dominant. Opponent Katlyn Chookagian had a tough assignment as a result, and entered the night a sizeable underdog.

For good reason. Shevchenko demonstrated why she’s on another level early in the fight. Far ahead on the feet in the opening round, when they went to the ground, Shevchenko landed a single slicing elbow on her opponent. Chookagian was immediately sliced open and bloody.

In round two, the challenger took further punishment. By the end of the frame, she’d been attacked with spinning attacks, axe kicks, and more, winding up on her back once again. And before it was all said and done, she’d be on the ground again. Early in the third, Chookagian more or less accepted a takedown attempt by the champ. Maybe she was trying to pull guard, but Shevchenko easily moved into the crucifix position. Then came the unanswered strikes. Just over a minute into the frame, the ref had seen enough, waving it off.

The win marked Valentina Shevchenko’s fifth straight, and third straight title defense. There’s a real question about who comes next. Joanne Calderwood is still out there, having won three of her last four. Roxanne Modafferi has won two of her last three, including defeating rising star Maycee Barber last time out. A little twist: the other win in that span came over the champ’s sister, Antonina.

For now, however, Shevchenko gets to celebrate another big win. See how her fellow pros reacted below!

Bold Prediction

Hide Your Eyes

Go Time

The Finish

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