LAS VEGAS – Valentina Shevchenko has been through title fight after title fight in the UFC, an accolade exemplified by her cool, calm, and collected fight week demeanor.
“It’s as usual – emotions, nerves, everything is in their own place,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie and other reporters during a UFC 285 pre-fight news conference Wednesday.
Shevchenko (23-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC) then turned the temperature down a little bit and bordered on cold as she responded to something she heard opponent Alexa Grasso (15-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) say.
“I heard she mention, ‘Everyone has a weak point.’ Something like that. And she kind of will figure it out, where is this weak point,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “… I want to leave out my weak point, don’t forget about your weak point. Don’t forget about your fears. I know her fears. I know her weak point and I will use it in my game.”
As usual, Shevchenko presented an analytical dissection of her opposition, rather than emotional hyperbole during her matchup breakdown. Shevchenko gave Grasso credit for her spot as the next title challenger and hinted she thinks her opponent might find an issue if the fight hits the canvas.
“She is very good in what she’s doing,” Shevchenko said. “That’s why she is a contender for this bout, which is my next title defense. Yeah, I took everything seriously about her. I know she’s good in her striking, but we can also not forget we’re fighting mixed martial arts. I prepared for everything as usual. Yeah, (I’ll) just be very attentive for the whole fight and be myself and do everything I have to do to win the fight.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 285.
