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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 20: Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan poses on the scale during the UFC 255 weigh-in at UFC APEX on November 20, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 20: Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan poses on the scale during the UFC 255 weigh-in at UFC APEX on November 20, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko spoke to Fanatics View and gave an overview of the upcoming strawweight match-up. Chiefly, Weili Zhang defends her undisputed title against Rose Namajunas in what is considered her hardest test to date. The aforementioned title fight takes place on the same night that Valentina Shevchenko defends her flyweight title against Jessica Andrade.
Weili Zhang hasn’t fought in over a year, the last time being her ‘Fight of the Year’ bout against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. She proved to the fans and fellow contenders that she’s the rightful champion and has an iron will. There’s no questioning her championship mettle going forward, and Namajunas will have to dig deep.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: Rose Namajunas battles Jessica Andrade in their strawweight fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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UFC 261: Valentina Shevchenko speaks out on Weili Zhang v Rose Namajunas
Chiefly, ‘The Bullet’ was asked to share her views on possibly facing Zhang down the line should they both win. However, Shevchenko surprised fans by revealing that she doesn’t think the Chinese fighter can come out on top against ‘Thug Rose’. Namajunas is one of the most technically sound fighters in the company, and she’s truly been a powerful force.
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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 21: in their women’s flyweight championship bout during the UFC 255 event at UFC APEX on November 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
“I don’t want to rush it yet because I still believe Rose is going to be the winner. I still believe in it. If it happens in this way, then there’s no more talk, who wants that fight. But let’s see, let’s see what’s going to happen on that night. I will look that fight and kind of like, whoever. If Weili wants, okay, you’re welcome. I didn’t see any problem to fight her.”
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Shevchenko wants to see what Weili will do when facing Rose Namajunas, a fight that many believe could be her undoing. Moreover, it seems like Valentina is only willing to talk about fighting the current 115-pound champ if she gets through Rose. This may be easier said than done as ‘Thug Rose’ has been a problem for all her opponents.
The clash that will unfold at UFC 261 will go a long way in determining how both the divisions will shape out. A favorable performance on the night could very well mean that a champion vs champion super fight could be on the horizon. It all depends on how all the parties involved look in their respective fights under the bright lights.
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