“The Bullet” Valentina Shevchenko (14-2) may be a multiple-time kickboxing and Muay Thai champion, but tonight against “The Venezuelan Vixen” Julianna Pena (8-3), she proved that she has a submission game, too.
Pena tried to shut down Shevchenko’s striking game early, pressing the Russian up against the fence and nailing her in the stomach with knees. Twice, Valentina timed her opponent’s knee perfectly and took Julianna down. The first time, Pena got up quickly and went right back to her press-against-the-fence-and-knee game. The second time, Julianna moved Shevchenko into guard. The Venezuelan Vixen tried to maneuver into an armbar, but time ran out.
The second round was much like first: Pena pushed Valentina up against the cage, but this time opted for upper body strikes, no doubt to thwart another takedown.
Julianna got two nice takedowns. For the first, she was unable to hold her Russian opponent down. For the second, she took her down hard, but unfortunately it was the beginning of her end.
Pena landed in Shevchenko’s guard. Valentina neutralized Julianna’s striking by holding her head close. As she did, the Russian moved her hips up. She grabbed her opponent’s arm, turned her hips, went belly-down, then rolled, forcing Pena to tap.
Winner by submission (armbar) in Round 2: Valentina Shechenko!
WOW! @BulletValentina pulls out an impressive armbar victory in 2nd round to defeat the @VenezeulanVixen. #UFCDenverhttps://t.co/3b6O6enJ7o
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) January 29, 2017
