Women’s flyweight action at UFC Vegas 58 saw Antonina Shevchenko, the elder sister of champ Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko, in dire straits.
A highly-touted striker herself, “La Pantera” had struggled during her UFC run, with a 2-4 record to start the night. She entered her fight with Cortney Casey having lost two straight, and three of her last four.
“Cast Iron” Casey, meanwhile, was coming off a November win over Liana Jojua.
Round one began with Shevchenko working the leg kicks and Casey returning them. Once Shevchenko got feel for Casey she began to put together combinations, but continued using the kicks to keep her opponent at range. A big right hand landed for Casey about halfway through the round, but she bailed on her follow up takedown attempt when Shevchenko got the thai clinch. Casey tried to get in close for the clinch using a big right hand, but ends up on her back when Shevchenko trips her down. Casey worked the closed guard and landed some elbows from bottom position. Shevchenko stood up with about 10 seconds left and landed kicks to the legs as the round ended.
Round two Shevchenko led the dance more, but it was on her terms with side kicks and high kicks. Casey tried to get in close using strikes to clinch and shoot for the takedown but couldn’t. With a little under 90 seconds left Casey finally got close in for a clinch, but did nothing with it as Shevchenko spun out and away from her. Casey grew tired of the game and at the urging of her corner went after Shevchenko with strikes. She landed a couple big shots as the round ended.
Round three and Casey came out aggressive. The two traded for a while until Casey rushed in while avoiding a spinning back fist and got ahold of Shevchenko. In the clinch on the fence and looking for the takedown she dragged Shevchenko to the ground with just under 3 minutes left. Casey stayed on top landing shots, but allowed Shevchenko to stand up only to take her right back down. Shevchenko managed to get to her feet once more near the end of the round, but Casey shot in for a double and took her down once more. The fight ended with Casey on top landing shots and the decision went to the judges.
Official Result: Antonina Shevchenko def. Cortney Casey via Split Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
