It’s been expected for some time and now it’s official, flyweight champion Nicco Montano will defend her title for the first time against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 228 on September 8th in Dallas.
The 29-year-old Montano seized the inaugural flyweight title after winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 26, registering wins over the likes of Lauren Murphy and Barb honchak, before also defeating Roxanne Modafferi in the final.
Impressive stuff given that Montano was a serious underdog heading into the show, but nevertheless, many believe that Shevchenko will be a much tougher test for the fighter, who’s professional record stands at just 4-2.
The 30-year-old shevchenko moved to flyweight after an unsuccessful attempt to take the bantamweight title from Amanda Nunes, though she did take her to a split decision verdict in September of last year.
Since then Shevchenko has got back to winning ways in her 125lb debut by defeating Priscilia Cachoeira by way of of a second round rear-naked choke, taking her overall record to 15-3, quickly establishing herself as the No.1 contender in her new weight class.
Montano Vs Shevchenko is the first title fight to be attached to the UFC 228 event, though it’s possible it will eventually end up as the co-main event of the card.
