Katlyn Chookagian in search of UFC title rematch vs. dominant Valentina Shevchenko

Katlyn Chookagian wants another shot at the champ.

The long-time UFC women’s flyweight contender is in search of her second title shot against champion Valentina Shevchenko. Chookagian (17-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is on her way back to the top, as she’s put together a three-fight winning streak and looks to make it four on Saturday night. Chookagian takes on Amanda Ribas on the main card of UFC on ESPN 36 in Las Vegas.

Ribas is moving up a division for this bout, as she mostly competes at strawweight, and she’s diving right into the top of the division. Chookagian was surprised to get matched up with the Brazilian, as were many fans.

“I was super surprised,” Chookagian told reporters on Wednesday at the UFC on ESPN 36 media day. “They asked me if I wanted to fight Amanda Ribas and I was like, ‘Wait, at what weight class? and they’re like, ‘125.’ Because I didn’t know, I didn’t hear anything about her wanting to move up so I was a little shocked, so I was like, ‘Yeah, definitely. But she’s probably not going to say yes.’ And then they came back and said, ‘Yeah, she said yes.’

The champion remains a dominant force in the division, as she’s held the title for almost four years. Shevchenko has six title defenses under her belt and she’ll look to make it seven at UFC 275 in June.

Chookagian hopes Shevchenko retains her title, as she wants to avenge her 2020 defeat to the champ.

“I want Valentina to win, so I can fight her again,” Chookagian said. “When I get that title shot again, I want it to be against her and to beat her and not someone else.”

It’s uncertain how close the 33-year-old is to another title shot. But for now, Chookagian just wants to keep active and work on extending her winning streak.

“For me, my main goal is to stay as active as often,” Chookagian said. “Whoever I can fight the soonest, is the most desirable to me.

“There’s a couple of girls that are ranked higher that I haven’t fought. If Miesha Tate gets a win, that’s a cool fight. Alexa Grasso. Manon Fiorot called me out, so that would be cool. Just really anyone, whichever fight is the soonest after this, is the one I want.”