Latest news with #Shevchenko
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Valentina Shevchenko suspects title defense against fellow UFC champ Zhang Weili next
Valentina Shevchenko suspects title defense against fellow UFC champ Zhang Weili next After a closely contested decision win to open her second reign as UFC women's flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko thinks a superfight might be next. Shevchenko (25-4-1 MMA, 14-3-1 UFC) outworked challenger Manon Fiorot (12-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) a little more than three weeks ago at UFC 315 in Toronto in the co-main event. She won with a trio of 48-47 scores. It wasn't immediately clear after the win whom her next challenger would be. Saturday, while in Las Vegas, Shevchenko could have gotten a little clarity with the UFC on ESPN 68 main event between Erin Blanchfield and Maycee Barber – until Barber pulled out moments before her walkout, effectively ditching herself from the conversation. Before Shevchenko beat Fiorot, Natalia Silva knocked Alexa Grasso down the ladder. So there is Silva, and there is Blanchfield – but Shevchenko also thinks when the time comes to figure out what's next, the name could be from another division. Shevchenko thinks strawweight champ Zhang Weili (26-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) has designs on a move up to 125 pounds for a shot at the belt, and that's the fight she thinks is most realistic. "Flyweight right now is the most exciting weight class – so many good and talented fighters," Shevchenko said on the post-fight show after the UFC on ESPN 68 broadcast. "But from the other side, you can see the champion. She built up her career. She deserves so much because of her title defenses. I feel at this point, she deserves this fight. Everyone deserves it." After a two-fight run of losses to Rose Namajunas in title fights, Weili has five straight wins. She had one defense in 2023 against Amanda Lemos, one in 2024 against Yan Xiaonan and one earlier this year at UFC 312 against Tatiana Suarez. Virna Jandiroba put herself in position to get a title shot in April with her fifth straight win, and she's one name Shevchenko doesn't have on her resume yet. But the idea of fighting Weili ultimately might be hard to resist – though Shevchenko stressed she'll wait until she's fully recovered from her win over Fiorot and ready to start a camp before she'll fully dive into preparing for anyone. "Weili has the same passion for martial arts (as me) and has this mindset of 'no matter what happens' – not fame or whatever," Shevchenko said. "She's very loyal and feels good about mixed martial arts. This is what I like about her. It's the same as I am, the feeling for martial arts itself. I'm hearing from my fans this is what they want to see."
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ESPN 68 pre-event facts: Ludovit Klein brings historic defense vs. Mateusz Gamrot
UFC on ESPN 68 pre-event facts: Ludovit Klein brings historic defense vs. Mateusz Gamrot After a week hiatus, the UFC returns on Saturday with UFC on ESPN 68 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card airs on ESPN following prelims on ESPN+. A high-stakes women's flyweight headliner is the center piece of the card. Top contenders Erin Blanchfield (13-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC) and Maycee Barber (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) meet in a five-round bout with significant stakes on the title picture. For more on the numbers behind the main event, as well as the rest of the card, check below for MMA Junkie's pre-event facts about UFC on ESPN 68. Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber Erin Blanchfield Blanchfield's three stoppage victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for fourth-most in divisional history behind Gillian Robertson (seven), Valentina Shevchenko (five) and Montana De La Rosa (four). Blanchfield's three submission victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Robertson (six). Blanchfield's seven takedowns landed at UFC 269 are tied for the single-fight record for a UFC women's flyweight bout. Maycee Barber Barber's six-fight UFC winning streak at women's flyweight is the second-longest active streak in the division behind Natalia Silva (seven). Barber's eight victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Shevchenko (11) and Katlyn Cerminara (nine). Barber is 8-2 since she moved up to the UFC women's flyweight division in March 2019. Barber's three stoppage victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are tied for fourth-most in divisional history behind Robertson (seven), Shevchenko (five) and De La Rosa (four). Barber's three knockout victories in UFC women's flyweight competition are second-most in divisional history behind Shevchenko (four). Barber absorbs just 2.4 significant strikes per minute in UFC women's flyweight competition, the third-best rate in divisional history behind Shevchenko (1.88) and Natalia Silva (2.1). Mateusz Gamrot vs. Ludovit Klein Mateusz Gamrot's (24-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) has completed 43 takedowns in UFC lightweight competition, the most among active fighters in the weight class. Ludovit Klein's (23-4-1 MMA, 7-2-1 UFC) seven-fight unbeaten streak in UFC lightweight competition is the second-longest active streak in the division behind Islam Makhachev (14). Klein has defended 95.2 percent of all opponent takedown attempts in UFC lightweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Billy Ray Goff Ramiz Brahimaj (11-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) has alternated wins and losses over his past 11 fights dating back to May 2018. He was victorious in his most recent bout at UFC 309. Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes Dustin Jacoby (20-9-1 MMA, 8-6-1 UFC) is 8-5-1 since he returned to the UFC for a second stint in October 2020. Jacoby lands 6.06 significant strikes per minute in UFC light heavyweight competition, the third-best rate in divisional history behind Carlos Ulberg (6.82) and Jamahal Hill (6.76). Zachary Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic Dusko Todorovic (12-5 MMA, 3-5 UFC) is 2-5 in his past seven fights after starting his career on a 11-fight winning streak. Trevin Giles vs. Andreas Gustafsson Trevin Giles' (16-7 MMA, 7-7 UFC) three-fight losing skid is the longest of his career. He hasn't earned a victory since March 2023. Giles is 2-4 since he dropped to the welterweight division in January 2022. Ketlen Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson Ketlen Vieira's (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) eight victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Amanda Nunes (13) and Raquel Pennington (12). Vieira's seven decision victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are second-most in divisional history behind Pennington (10). Vieira defends 88.9 percent of opponent takedown attempts in UFC women's bantamweight competition, the best rate in divisional history. Macy Chiasson's (10-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) four-fight UFC winning streak at women's bantamweight is the second-longest active streak in the division behind Ailin Perez (five). Chiasson's four stoppage victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for third-most in divisional history behind Nunes (eight) and Ronda Rousey (six). Chiasson's three knockout victories in UFC women's bantamweight competition are tied for second-most in divisional history behind Nunes (six). Chiasson absorbs just 2.0 significant strikes per minute in UFC women's bantamweight competition, the second-best rate among active fighters in the weight class behind Perez (1.83). Kurt Holobaugh vs. Jordan Leavitt Jordan Leavitt (11-3 MA, 4-3 UFC) is one of 12 fighters in UFC history to earn a knockout stemming from a slam. He accomplished the feat at UFC on ESPN 19. Leavitt's 22-second slam knockout at UFC on ESPN 19 is tied for the second fastest in UFC history behind Josh Burkman's 21-second win at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale in November 2005. Leavitt's 22-second victory at UFC on ESPN 19 is the second-fastest finish for a debuting lightweight in UFC history behind Terrance McKinney's seven-second win at UFC 263. Leavitt is of three fighters in UFC history to earn a reverse triangle submission. He accomplished the feat at UFC Fight Night 199. Cole Miller and Olivier Aubin-Mercier have also won with the technique. UFC research analyst and live statistics producer Michael Carroll contributed to this story. Follow him on Twitter @MJCflipdascript.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How to Watch Alexander Shevchenko vs. Dusan Lajovic at the 2025 Roland Garros: Live Stream, TV Channel
How to Watch Alexander Shevchenko vs. Dusan Lajovic at the 2025 Roland Garros: Live Stream, TV Channel No. 97-ranked Alexander Shevchenko will face No. 124 Dusan Lajovic in the Roland Garros Round of 128 on Sunday, May 25. Shevchenko fell to Filip Misolic 4-6, 4-6 on Friday in the qualifying round in his most recent match. Lajovic's last match on May 19, 2025 was a two-set defeat by Jacob Fearnley 4-6, 1-6 in the Round of 32 at the Gonet Geneva Open. Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo! Alexander Shevchenko vs. Dusan Lajovic: live stream info & TV channel Tournament: Roland Garros Roland Garros Round: Round of 128 Round of 128 Date: Sunday, May 25 Sunday, May 25 Live Stream: Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo Watch Tennis Channel on Fubo Court Surface: Clay Alexander Shevchenko vs. Dusan Lajovic matchup stats Shevchenko has a match record of 7-11 on clay over the last 12 months. Shevchenko has won 63.1% of his service games on clay over the past year and 31.7% of his return games. Shevchenko has converted 42.4% of his break-point chances on clay (59 of 139) over the past year. Shevchenko was beaten in the Round of 128 of his most recent tournament (the Internazionali BNL d'Italia) 2-6, 4-6 by No. 93-ranked Jesper de Jong on May 8. Lajovic has posted a 12-11 record in 11 tournaments on clay over the past 12 months. Lajovic is 192-for-279 in service games on clay (winning 68.8%) and 99-for-303 in return games (32.7%). On clay courts Lajovic has won 40.2% of break points, 72 out of 179, which ranks 11th. In the Gonet Geneva Open, Lajovic's previous tournament, he went head to head with No. 54-ranked Fearnley in the Round of 32 on May 19 and was beaten 4-6, 1-6. Shevchenko vs. Lajovic futures odds Tennis odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 3:57 PM ET. Shevchenko Odds to Win the 2025 Roland Garros: +50000 +50000 Lajovic Odds to Win the 2025 Roland Garros: +40000 Tennis odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Friday at 3:57 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What Valentina Shevchenko thinks of Amanda Nunes possibly coming out of retirement
What Valentina Shevchenko thinks of Amanda Nunes possibly coming out of retirement Valentina Shevchenko questions Amanda Nunes' decision to ponder a UFC comeback. Nunes (23-5 MMA, 16-2 UFC) retired as a two-division UFC champion after retaining her bantamweight title against Irene Aldana at UFC 289 in June 2023. Nearly two years later, "The Lioness" has admitted her interest in returning to the octagon – especially if Kayla Harrison is able to dethrone bantamweight champion Julianna Peña at UFC 316 on June 7 from Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+). UFC flyweight champion Shevchenko (25-4-1 MMA, 14-3-1 UFC) doesn't like seeing Nunes going back on her word. "I feel fighters, when they are not active anymore but they were at the top and had all this attention, they are missing this feeling," Shevchenko told Inside Fighting. "That's why you see many of the fighters, they have huge announcements of their retirement, but after a few years they miss the feeling of being in the fight, having this adrenaline, all this attention, and they say, 'Why don't I come back?' "I feel that it a little bit devalues the word of retirement. I say Tony Ferguson did the most right thing when he put down only one glove. So, it means he's retired, but he might come back. If you are not sure, you do the same, right? So, it's not so big and huge words about retirement. At least your conscience that you follow your word or you not follow your word, it's going to be clear, because I feel it's not good when people not stand behind their words." Shevchenko lost to Nunes twice, with their 2017 rematch for the bantamweight title at UFC 215 ending in a split decision. The pair expressed interest in a potential trilogy, but the fight never materialized.
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Why Chael Sonnen is frustrated with Valentina Shevchenko after UFC 315
Why Chael Sonnen is frustrated with Valentina Shevchenko after UFC 315 Chael Sonnen airs his frustrations with Valentina Shevchenko's UFC career and lack of star power. UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko's career is a point of frustration for Chael Sonnen. "I don't enjoy being a d*ck. I don't enjoy it," Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. "I rather put praise on somebody, but please understand from my perspective." It's not that Shevchenko (25-4-1 MMA, 14-3-1 UFC) has underachieved in the sport. Sonnen, a former UFC fighter turned analyst, thinks very highly of what she's been able to do in the cage and holds her as the greatest female fighter of all time behind former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes. What bothers Sonnen is that he believes Shevchenko has what it takes to be a star in the sport, yet she doesn't play her cards right. "I would come to Valentina and say, 'Young lady, you have everything,'" Sonnen explained. "She's beautiful, and they say you should never mention somebody's looks, particularly when it comes to she's beautiful. She speaks seven languages. She's a hand-to-hand combat expert. It turns under-armed combat. She's even trained military forces. She's slick with the gun apparently. All of these stories started that she was a spy for a foreign government and every time we would bring her to the U.S., you better be careful because she's a spy. It's so impressive it started to become internet folklore, and that is exactly what legends are made of, and things were going her way. ... I remember hearing these things, but it never went anywhere. My only problem with that is the act." Shevchenko is coming off a title defense victory over Manon Fiorot in the co-main event of Saturday's UFC 315 in Montreal. She's got 10 championship wins in the UFC and is regarded as the greatest flyweight in MMA history. 'I believe she is a heel' Despite the accolades, Sonnen claims Shevchenko is one of the lowest drawing champions the UFC has had in recent years. He says she doesn't do well on the pay-per-view side of things and even on the box office. He sees someone in Shevchenko that's playing too nice and not leaning on her competitive edge, while also not trying hard enough to develop her persona outside the cage. "I believe she is a heel," Sonnen said. "I don't believe Valentina is a nice girl. I've heard a number of things that Valentina has said, and they're not things a nice girl says. I just don't know that somebody that can kill you with their hands or with a 9 millimeter, someone that speaks seven different languages, somebody that's an unarmed combat champion of the world, that was a kickboxing star and a generational athlete from mother to sister. I don't believe somebody like that has to come out and pretend to be nice. She's not in the nice girl business. If you can make money being nice, go ahead and do it, I'll stay out of your way. But when you have a genuine feel, there's nothing in business that draws more than a cool heel. You don't get them very often." Sonnen wants Shevchenko to start leaning more into the promotion side of things and stop playing nice with her adversaries. He doesn't think the MMA fan base is sold and wants to see that change. "It's not a skill issue," Sonnen said. " It's not a fear issue. She'd take on anybody. It's being real with the audience, and the audience doesn't but that a seven-language, gun-shooting, fist-fighting, covered in tattoos girl is really a sweet little angel. And they shouldn't because she's not."
