UFC Predictions: Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko 7/8/17
The UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship is up for grabs tonight in the main event of UFC 213 when Amanda Nunes takes on Valentina Shevchenko. Here’s our UFC Predictions for this title fight.
ODDS
According to oddsmakers, this bout is considered even, as both the champion, Nunes, and the challenger, Shevchenko, are both getting odds of -115 to win. This fight is the main event of UFC 213, which takes place tonight from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card airs live at 10PM ET on PPV.
AMANDA NUNES
Nunes (14-4) is the champion looking to make her second title defense. She has won her last five UFC bouts, including a decision win over Shevchenko back in March of 2016. She followed that up by beating Miesha Tate for the UFC title at UFC 200 in July of last year. Nunes also defended her title in a 48-second KO win over Ronda Rousey back on Dec. 30. Nunes is a very powerful striker that also has some good submission skills. She has been able to overwhelm most of her opponents with her striking.
VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO
Shevchenko (14-2) is the challenger. She has managed to win a pair of fights since the close loss to Nunes. She earned a five-round decision win over Holly Holm last July and then followed that up with a second-round submission win over Julianna Pena in late-January. Shevchenko is also a powerful striker, but relies a little more on her grappling game. She has not really looked overwhelmed in any of her bouts.
UFC PREDICTIONS
The key to this fight may be the five round aspect. Nunes is someone that relies on strong starts, so she tends to tire as the fight prolongs. That could really become a problem if this bout goes into the championship rounds. Shevchenko isn’t someone likely to start fast. She fights composed and tends to just break her opponent’s spirit. Still, Nunes has looked amazing in her last two fights. Her striking has been on point. There isn’t a fighter that can take many of those strikes. I think Nunes will pace herself a little bit early, but eventually find an opening and pounce for the win.
UFC Predictions – Amanda Nunes -115
