5 fighters who could end 2018 with a UFC title and 5 who won't

Could end 2018 with a title: Valentina Shevchenko

Valentina Shevchenko is dropping to 125lbs in search of a UFC title

Ukrainian kickboxer Valentina Shevchenko came within a hair’s breadth of capturing the Women’s Bantamweight title in 2017, as she lost in a tight split decision to champion Amanda Nunes in September. It was almost a miracle that she made it that far, as she’s been undersized for practically her whole career at 135lbs. 2018 though will see Shevchenko drop to a more natural weight class – 125lbs.

With the division being a newly-installed one, the likelihood is that a top ranked fighter from a higher weight class like Shevchenko will be instantly considered a title contender at Flyweight, and it isn’t long before she’s scheduled to make her debut there – she’s matched against Priscila Cachoeira at February’s Fight Night 125. Assuming no wild upset happens – and it isn’t likely given Shevchenko’s skills – she could well be in line for a title shot right away.

Why is this? It was clear that the UFC were grooming Paige VanZant for a title shot in the new division, but Paige has already lost to Jessica-Rose Clark in her debut at 125lbs. So she’s out of the picture for the time being, meaning Shevchenko is probably the next most recognisable fighter. I suspect she’ll beat Cachoeira, and then go on to win the title later in 2018 – and hold it for some time.