Valentina Shevchenko retained her UFC flyweight title with a dominant display against Liz Carmouche in the UFC Uruguay main-event.
There was never any doubt that Shevchenko would perform under the bright lights once things got underway and all things considered, it was business as usual from the champ over five rounds.
Although not the most exciting display by any means, Valentina was dominant as advertised, beating the challenger Carmouche everywhere the fight went.
In truth, it was a pretty uneventful fight between the two, one that proved exactly how technically astute the champion continues to be in the developing weight-class.
In the third-round, Shevchenko was able to drop Carmouche in a moment of significant offense and as the fight went on, she slowly started to open up with her attacks, making the gulf in skill between the two quite evident.
Valentina Shevchenko (18-3) can beat flyweights in her sleep. She did as much against Liz Carmouche, sitting back, relaxing and shushing her rival any way the wind blew. A dominant decision marks the Kyrgyzstani's second title defense, boosting her to 4-0 as a 125er. #UFCUruguay pic.twitter.com/PIAsrJg6Z8
— Kyle Johnson (@VonPreux) August 11, 2019
Speaking post-fight, Shevchenko cited her thorough game-planning as the difference between the two on the night.
“My strategy was to use all my skills to defend her.
“She has very uncommon techniques, style and timing. So I did everything to assure my victory inside the cage.”