Valentina Shevchenko issues her first statement after UFC 213 fight cancellation

Here’s our prediction for this battle.

Aside from revelling in violence, Joanna also has a massive incentive to fight Valentina Shevchenko – revenge. UFC 213 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the two title fights at UFC 213: Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2 taking place Saturday, July 8 on Pay-Per-View. Nunes owns a career record of 14-4 as a professional mixed martial artist alongside a UFC record of 7-1. The UFC 213 fight against Shevchenko was supposed to be a rematch, as Nunes won a fight against her at UFC 196 by unanimous decision. She followed that up by beating Miesha Tate for the UFC title at UFC 200 in July of a year ago.

Brazilian MMA stalwart Amanda Nunes might be most famous for rearranging Ronda Rousey’s face back in December, but the 29-year-old is one of UFC’s best and brightest. Nunes is a very powerful striker that also has some good submission skills. Known for his heavy hands, Whittaker remains unbeaten at 185 pounds, stopping four of six opponents via strikes.

Shevchenko (14-2) is a fighter who likes to keep the fight standing.

Shevchenko missed out on that fame and wealth, but pushed forward with persuasive wins over former champ Holly Holm and Julianna Pena to earn the rematch — and this one will be five rounds. Her backers can take heart in knowing she has made great strides with her technical game since that March 2016 showdown against Shevchenko.

What really stood out in this bout was her ability to turn it on in the championship rounds.

However, the key to her success is her ability to maintain a high pace and get better as the fight ticks on. In 2007, she traveled to South America with her older sister — fellow muay thai fighter Antonina — and their longtime coach, Pavel Fedotov.

In the end, a card which has become a focal point for UFC in recent years during International Fight Week, will come off as partially underwhelming, especially after losing a key welterweight bout between Donald Cerrone and former champion Robbie Lawler (which has been rescheduled to UFC 214). Shevchenko isn’t someone likely to start fast.

“From the beginning, from childhood, to go to the fight and just be there for participation was never my goal”, she said. Shevchenko is arguably Nunes’ last great obstacle in the division, and therefor a win would open a new world of possibilities for the champion.

Nunes had been under the weather much of the week and was hospitalized early Saturday.

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