Valentina Shevchenko Demolishes Priscila Cachoeira, Wants UFC Champ Nicco Montano Next
The flyweight division is officially on notice — Valentina Shevchenko has arrived.
The former title contender at 135 pounds made her flyweight debut on Saturday night as Shevchenko absolutely demolished newcomer Priscila Cachoeira in the co-main event from Brazil.
Shevchenko was as much as a 10-to-1 favorite going into the fight so it’s not a surprise that she was victorious as she dismantled Cachoeira from the opening bell until finally earning the submission victory in the second round.
Shevchenko promised that she would show off some new skills and plenty of power in her flyweight debut and it didn’t take her long to display it.
Almost as soon as the fight started, Shevchenko was on the attack landing several straight punches right down the middle that absolutely blasted Cachoeira in the chin.
The Brazilian was definitely rattled but still throwing wild punches in return to Shevchenko altered her game plan as she took the action to the mat.
From there, Shevchenko just battered Cachoeira with punches and elbows, turning her opponent into a bloody mess on the ground while doing her best to survive rather than attempting to get out of the bad position.
Somehow, Cachoeira survived to the final horn in the opening round but it was as lopsided as any five minute session in recent memory as Shevchenko was in complete control.
The second round saw more of the same with Shevchenko taking Cachoeira to the ground, trapping her in the crucifix and just battering her with short elbows and punches once again.
Describe @BulletValentina's performance in one word. #UFCBelem pic.twitter.com/uiAebF4V3M
— UFC (@ufc) February 4, 2018
Shevchenko finally moved into the mount before Cachoeira rolled to give up her back, which spelled the beginning of the end of the fight. Almost as if she got tired of punching her nearly defenseless opponent, Shevchenko mercifully locked in the rear naked choke to get the tap to earn her first victory at 125 pounds in the UFC.
TAP CITY! Valentina Shevchenko puts on an absolutely dominant performance and submits Priscila Cachoeira at #UFCBelem! https://t.co/pnRJ69rxMn
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) February 4, 2018
While the end came by submission, Shevchenko out landed Cachoeira 230 to 3 in total strikes according to statistics from FightMetric.
In what was the most lopsided fight going into the night, Shevchenko dismantled Cachoeira to announce her arrival in the women’s flyweight division and now she will turn her attention to Nicco Montano, who became the first ever 125-pound champion this past December.
“If everyone wants to see me fight for the title, I do so, too,” Shevchenko said following her victory. “Nicco, let’s do it.”
