UFC 261: Valentina Shevchenko vs Jessica Andrade- Main Card Prediction and Analysis

The women’s flyweight title will be defended at UFC 261 as Jessica Andrade takes on champion Valentina Shevchenko. The scrap is one of three title fights in the UFC’s capacity return for the first time since March 2020. Fans are excited to see the championships-caliber fighters in Shevchenko and Andrade leave it all on the line.

Both women have a history of pulling off spectacular finishes in pivotal moments in their careers. While Usman vs Masvidal is the attraction and Weili vs Namajunas is a technical battle, Shevchenko vs Andrade is the under-the-radar match-up that is likely to deliver. Furthermore, fans are excited to see Valentina Shevchenko take on arguably the toughest test of her title run.

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UFC 261: Valentina Shevchenko vs Jessica Andrade

‘The Bullet’ is on a six-fight win streak and hasn’t been defeated since losing a close decision to Amanda Nunes. She’s coming off a title defense over Jennifer Maia from UFC 255 back in November 2020. Shevchenko has set a gold standard for title challengers, and time will tell if Jessica Andrade can fit the bill.

Shevchenko’s technical ability on the feet is virtually unmatched and her speed will be a focal point of her offense. The veteran champion uses a plethora of kicks to disrupt any forward momentum her opponent may gain on her. ‘Bate Estaca’ will want to fight up close, and Valentina Shevchenko will most certainly use tools to squash that from happening.

‘Bate Estaca’- On a mission for gold

‘Bate Estaca’ lives up to her moniker and is a powerhouse pile-driving machine in every sense of the word. She’s coming off a TKO win over top challenger Katlyn Chookagian via punches to the body in October. While she’s lost 2 of her last four, both losses came to champions of the strawweight division in Zhang Weili and Rose Namajunas.

Jessica Andrade is extremely physical in her offensive output and is relentless when it comes to forward pressure. Very few fighters are able to keep up with her intensity, and she’s a menace to keep at range. Shevchenko will be well advised to stay on the outside and pick off Andrade with sniper-like precision over a battle of brute force.

Prediction: Valentina Shevchenko to claim a unanimous decision