UFC 215: Amanda Nunes Gets Out-struck, Retains Title In Rematch Against Shevchenko

On Saturday, UFC 215 took place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

In the main event, UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Amanda Nunes defended her title against top contender Valentina Shevchenko in one of the most highly anticipated female fights of the year. This was the second time these two elite fighters met

This was the second time these two elite fighters met inside the Octagon. Last year, at UFC 196, Nunes earned a decision victory against Shevchenko and earned her opportunity at the UFC title.

Both women traded kicks to start the fight. Nunes and Shevchenko chose their shots wisely early in the first round. Shevchenko was able to avoid Nunes’ power shots in the first half of the round. Nunes has success landing low kicks. Shevchenko got a kick and landed a punch. However, Nunes also landed a hard punch as well. In the final seconds, Nunes caught a kick and tripped Shevchenko to the ground.

Shevchenko landed a couple of kicks early in the second round. Nunes also attacked the legs. Shevchenko appeared to land the more clean punching combinations early in round two. Shevchenko engaged a clinch, but Nunes quickly escaped. Nunes showed great defense throughout the round, but Shevchenko appeared to throw and land more shots. The round ended with Shevchenko landing a combination and Nunes responding with a front kick to the body.

Both women landed combinations to start off the third round. Shevchenko had better success at landing her shots in the first half of the round. Throughout the round, both women showed off good defensive skills by avoiding punches. Nunes controlled the cage for the majority of the round. In the final seconds of the round, Shevchenko landed a clean combination of kicks and punches.

Nunes controlled the cage at the start of the fourth round. In the first minute, Nunes has success landing numerous leg kicks. Shevchenko landed a quick punching combination, but Nunes responded with kicks. Shevchenko had success countering Nunes’ strikes. Both women traded quick flurries whenever they got close to their opponent for the remainder of the round.

Both women came out swinging to start the final round. Shevchenko continued to have success landing leg kicks. In the first half of the round, Shevchenko was the more active striker. Nunes went for a takedown, but Shevchenko stayed on her feet. Nunes managed to get her opponent against the cage and continued to fight for the takedown. Eventually, Nunes let go and both women went back to trading punches. Shevchenko went for a takedown, but Nunes reversed the position and took Shevchenko’s back. Shevchenko got back to her feet, but Nunes went for another takedown. After struggling, Nunes finally got her opponent to the ground in the final minute. The fight ended with Nunes on top.

Official Result:

Amanda Nunes def. Valentina Shevchenko by split decision to retain UFC Title 48-47, 48-47, 48-47