UFC 255 video recap: Valentina Shevchenko defends flyweight title with decision over Jennifer Maia

Valentina Shevchenko successfully defended her flyweight title for the fourth consecutive time with a unanimous decision win against Jennifer Maia at UFC 255.

What was the high point of the fight?

Maia had a good start to the fight, taking Shevchenko down in the first round but struggling to offer any real offence on the ground. The Brazilian improved in the second round as she backed Shevchenko up against the fence landing knees then proceeding to take Shevchenko down again.

The tide begun to turn from the third round onwards for Shevchenko. “Bullet” started to land punches on the feet that were troubling Maia. In the fourth and fifth rounds Shevchenko took control and was powering Maia to the mat whilst doing some good damage on the feet.

Where do both women go from here?

Its’s another dominant win for Shevchenko as she successfully defends her flyweight title for the fourth consecutive time with the win over Maia. A fight against Jessica Andrade makes sense next for Shevchenko, given she is the only clear contender “Bullet” hasn’t faced yet at 125-pounds.

Maia shouldn’t be too disheartened by the loss, she was an extremely big underdog and Shevchenko was a big step-up in competition for the Brazilian. Maybe a rematch with Katlyn Chookagian makes sense next for Maia.

Watch it now, later or never?

Maia put up more of a contest than most of Shevchenko’s previous opponents, so it’s worth a watch.