[autotag]Valentina Shevchenko[/autotag] is focused on Katlyn Chookagian entering UFC 247.
That’s it.
Shevchenko (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), the UFC flyweight champion, made that abundantly clear during the UFC 247 media conference call Monday.
The champ is widely perceived as being close to cleaning out a division thin on legit challengers, which is why there’s been plenty of chatter about potential superfights, but she’s having none of it.
“First of all, I’m focused on my fight this Saturday,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie. “I’m not thinking about any further fights. I put everything I have inside of me toward this Saturday for this fight. Second, superfights against who? I don’t know. Amanda Nunes? Weili (Zhang)? Henry Cejudo? Against who? I don’t think this is the right moment to think about this right now.”
While Shevchenko brushed off the question of eventual superfights, she understands the fantasizing and predicting which comes when fans and media alike talk about the future.
“I think (people) are just curious and want to know about everything going on,” Shevchenko said. “Of course, I think they understand flyweight is a hard, competitive division. They understand that, but everyone wants to see (these). I think it’s normal people have interest in all of the things in front of me at one time.”
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For now, Shevchenko will try moving one step closer to cleaning out the division when she takes on Chookagian (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC). The New Jersey-based fighter’s first UFC title shot comes on the heels of back-to-back victories.
A substantial favorite across all major online sportsbooks, Shevchenko isn’t taking victory for granted.
“Katlyn is already different than my other (opponents) because I don’t believe any fighter can be the singular (form) you fought already,” Shevchenko said. “Even when you fight the same fighter twice, it can be two different fights. She has her styles and I prepare for those styles. That’s it. I hope it’s going to be a good fight.”
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Shevchenko hasn’t lost a bout at flyweight in her professional career. Shevchenko’s most recent title defense came in August at UFC on ESPN+ 14. In a rematch of her 2010 loss to Liz Carmouche, Shevchenko gained revenge by defeating Carmouche via unanimous decision, sweeping all five rounds on each of the three judges’ scorecards.
UFC 247 takes place Saturday at Toyota Center in Houston. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass/ESPN+
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