Heading into their UFC on Fox 23 main event, Julianna Pena didn't think too highly of Valentina Shevchenko. Pena was thinking more of what was lying ahead in terms of fighting current women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes or a possible showdown against Ronda Rousey.
Shevchenko didn't get the memo to not show up in Denver, as she submitted Pena by armbar at the 4:29 mark of the second round. It is Shevchenko's first submission win in 11 years.
“Many people asked me about the fight and they said you’re a striker and she’s a grappler, and I told them every time, I am a complete fighter,” Shevchenko said to Brian Stann in her post-fight interview.
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Pena tried feverishly in the first round to secure a takedown to stifle the world class striking of Shevchenko but was unsuccessful. Shevchenko who was able to land the all-important first takedown of the fight. Near the end of the round, Pena locked in an armbar.
Sensing she could continue her momentum from the near submission, the "Venezuelan Vixen" got Shevchenko in the clinch and after a few moments, secured her first takedown of the fight. With Pena seeming like she was gaining control of the fight, Shevchenko quickly threw up a triangle choke which she transitioned to an armbar. Pena tried to escape, but the native of Peru had it in deep and the former Ultimate Fighter Season 18 winner had no choice but to tap out.
After the fight, Nunes walked into the cage and talk ensued of a rematch from UFC 196 last March when Nunes won by unanimous decision.
"I’m gonna take that belt," Shevchenko said to Nunes.
"I’m gonna finish you this time," Nunes said in response.
Pena suffers her first UFC loss and her record drops to 9-3.
Steven Muehlhausen is an MMA and boxing writer and contributor for Sporting News. You can find his podcast, "The Fight Club Chicago," and subscribe on iTunes . You can email him at [email protected] and can find him on Twitter @SMuehlhausenMMA .
