UFC: Valentina Shevchenko scoffs at Taila Santos advantage claim – ‘Octagon shows they’re wrong’
- Brazilian believes she will have upper the hand on the ground when she challenges for flyweight title at UFC 275, but champion has heard it all before
- ‘This is the most exciting part of these contests, to see the frustration on someone’s face when they understand they’re not better,’ Shevchenko says
Taila Santos believes she will have the advantage on the ground when she challenges Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 275 in Singapore on June 11.
But the UFC flyweight champion has heard it all before.
The pair answered questions from the media, including the Post, during a virtual press conference on Zoom this week, and Brazilian challenger Santos (19-1) was adamant she can “be the one” to dethrone the seemingly unstoppable Shevchenko.
“I think taking this fight to the ground is the key,” 28-year-old Santos said. “I think Valentina is strong in striking, but if we take it down, I believe I can overcome her.
“Valentina is a tough fighter, very experienced, and very intelligent in her striking. But I come from the strength of being on the ground. I also come from Muay Thai, so I feel comfortable about my striking, but the best strategy is to take it down to the ground, because I do feel I have advantages.”