Priscila Cachoeira took a massive beating over the weekend when she faced off against former UFC bantamweight title challenger Valentina Shevchenko. Now UFC executive David Shaw has come forward to claim the steps are being taken to ensure that another fighter does not suffer a similar fate.
Cachoeira made her octagon debut in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 125, taking on the battle hardened and top level competitor that is Valentina Shevchenko. Shevchenko earned a submission victory over the fighter in the second round, after putting on a lopsided flurry of punishment that set a UFC record for striking statistics. The total striking score was 217-1 in Shevchenko’s favor.
It would later be revealed that Cachoeira suffered a torn ACL and a torn meniscus during the match. The fight has since drawn controversy as fight fans have begun speculating if the bout could have been halted sooner.
UFC President Dana White has since offered heated criticism on referee Mario Yamasaki’s decision to allow the fight to continue as long as it did. Taking to Instagram, White stated:
“Priscilla Cachoeira, you showed so much heart and toughness in that fight. I’m honored to have you fight in the UFC. Unfortunately the ref is there to protect you and Mario DID NOT do that. This isn’t his first disgusting performance in the octagon.
“Another unfortunate thing is that i can’t do anything about I️t only the Brazilian commission can and i am hoping after this scary, incompetent showing he hopefully will never set foot in that Octagon again. Strikes landed was 230-3.”
As reported by MMA Junkie, UFC executive David Shaw revealed that measures are being taken to prevent a similar outcome in the future.
“We’ll be working with the commission to make sure a situation like that doesn’t happen again. First and foremost, Priscila’s health is the No. 1 priority. We’ve got a team with her at the hospital, and we’ll be taking very good care of her to make sure she recovers quickly.”
