UFC 275: Valentina Shevchenko defends title with controversial split decision win over Taila Santos
- Shevchenko retains flyweight title in highly competitive fight with underdog challenger at UFC 275 in Singapore
- The champion, who has now defended her belt seven times, says she āleft her heart in the Octagonā
Valentina Shevchenko is still the UFC flyweight champion, but her latest title defence was far and away her toughest.
The pound-for-pound queen was back in action in the co-main event of the UFC 275 card on Sunday morning in Singapore, taking on streaking Brazilian contender Taila Santos.
After five highly competitive rounds, she defended her title with a split decision that will undoubtedly fuel debate for weeks to come.
āI left my heart in this Octagon,ā Shevchenko told commentator Daniel Cormier after her win was announced. āI expected a heavier opponent. You know in mixed martial arts, every pound counts.ā
Shevchenko (23-3) had some success with her striking early in the first round, but she soon found herself in a totally unfamiliar position, fighting off a rear-naked choke attempt with Santos (19-2) on her back.
While the champion was able to fend off her challengerās submission attempts, she could not escape the position before the round ended.