Valentina Shevchenko Issues Challenge to Paige VanZant for UFC Flyweight Debut
If Paige VanZant doesn’t want to fight Jessica Eye, maybe she’d be interested in a showdown with former title contender Valentina Shevchenko instead.
Earlier this week, VanZant was accused of turning down a fight with Eye after they were originally scheduled to meet in October at UFC 216. Eye erupted on VanZant saying that she should be “ashamed” for initially accepting the fight, getting injured and then turning down the same exact matchup a few months later.
VanZant then posted on Twitter this past weekend that she was going to receive a title shot in her flyweight debut but that claim was immediately rebuked by UFC president Dana White.
My next fight is against the winner of the 125 division Ultimate Fighter. Don’t blink.
— Paige VanZant (@PaigeVanzantUFC) November 5, 2017
Now Shevchenko has issued a challenge to VanZant as she looks to make her flyweight debut in the UFC as well.
Don't rush girl.
If you want a title fight, first fight me. #125 #UFC #Letsdoit #dontblink @Mickmaynard2 @seanshelby @danawhite https://t.co/1ZFJCoNswV— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) November 10, 2017
The first ever UFC women’s flyweight champion will be crowned in December with the conclusion of the current season of “The Ultimate Fighter” but Shevchenko could easily be the top contender already after her run at 135 pounds in the UFC.
Shevchenko is freshly removed from a decision loss to current women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes while holding wins over several top fighters including Julianna Pena and former champion Holly Holm.
Now Shevchenko has her sights set on the 125 pound title but it looks like she’s ready to welcome VanZant to the division before making a run at gold.
