Antonina Shevchenko doesn’t find value in comparing herself to her sister.
UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defeated Katlyn Chookagian by third-round TKO at UFC 247 in February. Saturday, Antonina will face Chookagian (13-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) three months after her sister’s victory.
Despite helping her title-bearing sister throughout her preparation for that bout, Shevchenko (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) doesn’t think there were many takeaways for her own personal use. They’re different individuals and different fighters, after all. Not to mention, Shevchenko added, Chookagian could present a totally different gameplan and attack.
“Not really,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “Yes, I know her from the time that Valentina was preparing for her. Valentina is Valentina. Me is me. I’m a different opponent and she’s a different opponent. She had a different opponent in front of her. I have a different opponent in front of me. There’s no connection. … You never know what your opponents will bring you, for you (especially).”
Chookagian is the second former UFC title challenger Shevchenko faced in her short UFC career. Analyzing the matchup, Shevchenko spoke highly of Chookagian’s abilities and envisioned a technical standup battle. However, Shevchenko pointed to her muay Thai accolades as the likely X-factor.
“What I’m expecting is what she brings in every fight, (which is) very, very good standup techniques (and) striking techniques,” Shevchenko said. “She’s really good in this and doing spins, different techniques, high kicks and power-punches and moving and (point-fighting). She’s good in that. That’s what I’m expecting from her, but I’m a world muay Thai champion.
“I know how to fight standup. It’s just a really important fight for me. Of course, I’ll do my best to win it and show the best of me in this fight.”
UFC on ESPN 9 takes place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The event airs on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2020/05/antonina-shevchenko-not-comparing-katlyn-chookagian-to-valentina-fight-ufc-video
