Holm strikes first with a clean knockdown! #UFCChicago https://t.co/p6hdOhi0hh
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) July 24, 2016
In the year since Holly Holm knocked out Ronda Rousey, we’ve seen three new bantamweight champs. Ronda dropped the belt to Holly, who lost the belt to Miesha Tate, who then lost to Amanda Nunes. Only Ronda Rousey has been able to defend the belt.
So now Holly is back in her first fight since being choked unconscious by Miesha Tate. History was on her side.
https://twitter.com/MikeBohnMMA/status/757027888965226496
It didn’t last. Holly was picked apart by Valentina, who out-countered the counter striker. It was brilliant.
The fight started fast, with both championship kickboxers landing some clean strikes. Shevchenko would work Holm’s leg for the duration while Holm attempted to pick her apart. Both ladies would go for the kill at various points of the fight.
Blocked. But a beautiful counter spinning back-fist from @BulletValentina! #UFCChicago https://t.co/g1rAbZst32
— #UFCChicago (@ufc) July 24, 2016
Holm’s leg would be red and puffy by round three, with Valentina countering and keeping the former champ at bay. When Holm would move in,Shevchenko was a beast, overpowering Holm by putting her on her back where she would stay for most of round 3.
In round 4, Holly, who is generally a counter striker would be the one getting picked apart. This was truly an impressive performance by Valentina, but it was still a close fight.
In the end, Holly didn’t look happy at all. She was far happier after she lost consciousness against Miesha Tate.
So now what? Shevchenko lost to eventual champ Amanda Nunes back in March of this year. So, the champ has a decision to make.
I feel she needs to prove herself a little more. I think @VenezuelanVixen vs @BulletValentina. Winner comes to me
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) July 24, 2016
