UFC 261: Valentina Shevchenko vs Jessica Andrade booked for Flyweight title

^{Valentina Shevchenko and Jessica Andrade}

The MMA gods have spoken again! Blessing us with yet another title fight, and we aren’t even halfway through 2021. It was confirmed today that Valentina Shevchenko (19-3) will be defending her flyweight title against Jessica Andrade (21-8).

Shevchenko has successfully defended the flyweight gold 5 times in a row, almost clearing out her flyweight division. Or so we thought. She has appeared to come across a worthy adversary in Jessica Andrade. After Andrade’s impressive 1st round knockout in her flyweight debut, it looks like Shevchenko better grip that belt a little bit tighter.

The Bullet is back!

Valentina Shevchenko will defend her flyweight title against Jessica Andrade at UFC 261 on April 24, Dana White told @bokamotoESPN. pic.twitter.com/UvULhMEkXj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 24, 2021

Will Shevchenko’s authoritative striking be the difference?

With Shevchenko defending her title 5 times against the best the division has had to offer, it’s difficult to imagine dethroning the champ will come easy. We’ve seen it time and time again, a continuous display of blatant dominance on the feet against anyone in her path. Placing herself in the #2 spot in women’s pound-for-pound rankings. Just behind possibly the greatest of all time, Amanda Nunes.

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Nonetheless, Andrade isn’t far behind on the women’s pound-for-pound list. She comes in ranked just 3 spots below Valentina, at the #5 spot. Making it inevitably clear Andrade was a staple in her previous division of 115 pounds. Even having enough talent to acquire the championship belt for a short-lived period.

Of course, Jessica Andrade is a highly decorated mixed martial artist herself, but she still has the biggest task of her career ahead. Will the hungry Andrade steal the strap, or does Shevchenko add another title defense to her legacy.

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