Amanda Nunes edges to split decision win over Valentina Shevchenko in dour UFC bantamweight title fight
Brazilian lands narrow victory to retain title and improve her record to 15-4
“I wanted to show the world I’m here to stay,” Nunes said after the judges scored it 47-48, 48-47, 48-47 to run her record to 15-4.
It was a careful fight with few extended skirmishes until Nunes took Shevchenko to the canvas in the fifth round. The fans often booed and chanted “fight, fight, fight!”
Nunes, nicknamed the Lioness, raised her arms as the decision was announced while many of the fans booed the verdict.
She later said her strategy was to go the full five rounds to wear Shevchenko down and then strike – and hush detractors who said Nunes was an early-round knockout artist and would fade in the long game.
“I know the crowd wants to see a knockout ... but tonight, this fight was for me, to go five rounds and prove I’m the best. I’m here to stay. I’m here for a reason,” she said.