There’s always a bullet in the chamber.
Valentina Shevchenko defended her belt against former K1 kickboxing champion Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247. This brings Shevchenko’s win streak to five and successful title defenses to three. The champ put on a clinic of domination both on the feet and ground, leading to a TKO finish that barley saw three rounds.
Shevchenko saw little resistance from the outset, scoring multiple kicks and take downs in all rounds of the fight. Opening up a large cut on Chookagian at the end of the first, Shevchenko continued to stay out of the challengers range and avoid damage for round two. Chookagian’s last knee thrown at the beginning of round three gave the champ an opening for the last take down of the fight. Landing in side control, Shevchenko quickly moved to a crucifix position to isolate Chookagian’s arms from her head. A few strikes too many later and the ref called the match.
Shevchenko’s performance this match cemented her as a champ with staying power. Not only did she prove her range and skillset, she finished the fight in a spectacular fashion in a somewhat rare top position. This brings Shevchenko to 19-3 and Chookagian to 13-3.
