MMA Katlyn Chookagian to finally receive opportunity against Flyweight Champ Valentina Shevchenko by Daniel Yanofsky November 21, 2019 The UFC matchmakers have booked a matchup that gives the rankings some credibility. According to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Valentina Shevchenko will be defending her Flyweight Title against Katlyn Chookagian. The fight will take place on Sunday, February 8, in a location to be determined. Currently ranked number one in the women’s flyweight rankings, Chookagian (13-2) has been patiently waiting for her time to shine. 5-0 as a flyweight before joining the UFC, “Blonde Fighter” primarily fought at bantamweight, going 2-1 at that weight. Returning to flyweight in 2018, Chookagian defeated Mara Romero Borella via unanimous decision. From there she beat Alexis Davis before losing out to Jessica Eye via split decision at UFC 231. That ended her three-fight win streak and a contender spot that Eye took. “Blonde Fighter” bounced back with two unanimous decision victories over Joanne Calderwood at UFC 238 and Jennifer Maia at UFC 244. Bullying Maia in New York, Chookagian took advantage of her platform to demand a fight that has been put to the side for so long. “The UFC knows exactly who I want,” Chookagian stated after the fight. “If they’re not going to give it to me, I’m going to keep taking down every girl in the top five until they give it to me.” She is now getting what she wants, but is the reward worth the risk? Shevchenko (18-3), is on a four-fight win streak going into her third defense of the Flyweight Title. After losing to Amanda Nunes for the UFC Bantamweight Title at UFC 215, “The Bullet” returned to flyweight in 2018 for the first time since 2006, beating Priscila Cachoeira via submission. From there, her reign of terror began. Valentina dominated Joanna Jędrzejczyk to win the vacant title and then knocked out the aforementioned Eye at UFC 238. She then easily took care of Liz Carmouche via unanimous decision back in August, avenging a loss against her in 2010. The fight is an interesting clash of styles. Known for her footwork, all eight of Chookagian’s fights in the UFC have ended via decision. Six of Schevchnko’s fights in the UFC have ended via decision, with two submission wins and one via knockout. Regardless of the outcome, a flyweight division that has had so many question marks surrounding it has finally turned itself around. Fights like Chookagian v. Schevchnko are helping its cause. Post Views: 1,287 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Daniel Yanofsky Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event. Latest posts by Daniel Yanofsky (see all) Mets hire Luis Rojas to replace Carlos Beltran as manager - January 23, 2020 An Outsider’s 2020 Hall of Fame Ballot - January 21, 2020 A Wild Yo Sighting: Yoenis Cespedes participates in running, fielding and hitting drills - January 21, 2020 Following Conor McGregor’s win at UFC 246, is “The King” truly back? - January 20, 2020 Related TopicsFeatureKatlyn ChookagianLocal AthletesmmaufcValentina ShevchenkoWomen in Sports Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Michael Jordan Could Change the Future of Nascar for the Better by Inesh Chari | posted on March 30, 2021 WNBA Rolling Out Red Carpet For Upcoming 25th Anniversary Season by Jason Cordner | posted on March 16, 2021 More in MMA The Mockery of A Sport: Paul vs. Askren Jake Paul and Ben Askren are set to fight tonight, and as a fan... The Leverage Game: What’s Going on Between Jon Jones and UFC? After Francis Ngannou knocked out Stipe Miocic, fight fans everywhere were already excited about... Athletes and their “Charitable” Contributions The other day I was watching TV when I saw a commercial for Conor... Should the Holloway vs. Katter fight have been Stopped in the 4th Round? Dana White thought so… In my honest opinion, when it comes to sports there is nothing like watching... Former champion, colorful personality Ben Askren announces retirement from MMA Three more PFL fighters face action following failed drug tests