5 opponents for Valentina Shevchenko

#2. Shevchenko vs. Miesha Tate

A fight that could be possible for Valentina Shevchenko this year is against Miesha Tate. The former UFC women’s bantamweight champion announced plans to move down to flyweight and already has a bout scheduled. She’ll be making her flyweight debut against former title challenger Lauren Murphy in May in a Fight Night event.

‘Cupcake’ has an advantage heading into her flyweight debut. Because of achievements in the sport as well as name recognition, she won’t have to wait long for a title shot. If she defeats Murphy, she could earn the next title shot against ‘Bullet'.

What also helps Tate’s chances of earning a title shot is that she hasn’t fought the champion before. Both competed at bantamweight in the past, but never ended up being matched up. Tate retired from the sport after UFC 205, while ‘Bullet’ was rising up the ranks at bantamweight.

---

#1. Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena 2

UFC Fight Night: 'Bullet' vs. 'The Venezuelan Vixen'

The biggest fight for Shevchenko at the moment is a rematch with Julianna Pena. ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when she submitted Amanda Nunes at UFC 269. She was a massive underdog and silenced the doubters by ending the reign of a champion that was perceived to be unbeatable.

Following the bout, Pena had mentioned possibly moving down to 125lbs to challenge ‘Bullet’ for her flyweight championship. It’d be a rematch of their 2017 bout, which saw ‘Bullet’ submit ‘The Venezuelan Vixen’ with an armbar in the second-round. Since their first bout took place at bantamweight, perhaps the UFC will give the flyweight champion the option of moving up instead.

Winning their first fight and her successful title defenses could motivate 'Bullet' to pursue double champion status. 'Bullet' would have a great opportunity to accomplish another milestone in her already legendary career.