Valentina Shevchenko’s reign of dominance continued with a devastating finish of Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247.
The UFC women’s flyweight division is bottom-heavy if we’re being honest. Barely a year into her 125lb title reign, and it feels as if there’s a lack of contenders for Valentina Shevchenko — though no lack of talent or bodies in the weight class. At UFC 247, Katlyn Chookagian, off the strength of back-to-back decision wins over Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia, looked to dethrone “Bullet” — but it would be no easy task.
Valentina opened up with some leg kicks and pressure, prompting Valentina chants from the crowd. Chookagian tried to step in with a right hand but ate a spinning backfist from the champion. Valentina landed a quick combination capped off with a leg kick, and then backed off before throwing the same exact combination. Chookagian struggled to find her range, not throwing much in the first frame. Chookagian stepped in with a kick to the body, and Valentina slammed her down for the first takedown of the contest. Valentina landed a big elbow to cap off the first round to bust Chookagian wide open.
Valentina opened the second by landing some more kicks to Chookagian’s lead leg. Valentina threw a spinning back kick that landed and forced Chookagian back, and Chookagian tried to throw one of her own but to no avail. Chookagian kept pressuring forward and tried to find some success, but anytime she did she ate a devasting leg kick. Valentina threw a picture-perfect spinning back kick that landed clean on Chookagian but she ate it. Valentina soon got another takedown on Chookagian and ended the second round the same way she ended the first, on top in a dominant position.
Valentina opened the third round by getting a takedown and quickly getting to a crucifix position. She then began dropping heavy elbows on Chookagian to bloody her up and end the fight in amazing fashion. Valentina Shevchenko isn’t losing at 125 pounds anytime soon.
Valentina Shevchenko def. Katlyn Chookagian by TKO (Elbows) in Round 3 (1:03)
