Watch video from the UFC 275 co-main event
Co-headlining UFC 275 was the flyweight title bout between dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko and Taila Santos. Shevchenko naturally came in as the favorite, having been champion for about four years and having six title defenses in her belt already. Santos surprised onlookers though, winning the grappling exchanges, especially early for on and pushing Shevchenko the most in years.
It was close and competitive, with likely the second stanza being the swing round. In the end, despite a good run from Santos, it was a split decision victory for the champion in Shevchenko.
Watch highlights along with a snippet of our play-by-play below:
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Taila Santos, Round 5
Hard body kick from Shevchenko. Combo from Valentina but Santos gets a hold of her and Santos ends up on top after a scramble. Shevchenko used the fence to push off but Santos takes her back. Shevchenko has her high and she shakes her off. 3:15 to go. High drama. Inside leg kick and a big right from Shevchenko. They trade low kicks. Shevchenko with a takedown. She’s in half. Shoulder check. Not much else though. Santos is locking her down. 1:15 to go. Shevchenko spins but Santos retains half. 25 seconds. 10-9 Shevchenko but I have it 48-47 Santos.
Valentina Shevchenko defeated Taila Santos via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
HERE WE GO!
[ #UFC275 | Live on ESPN+ PPV: https://t.co/IEu8bU0BAa ] pic.twitter.com/D3taR7BhDY
— UFC (@ufc) June 12, 2022
Santos demuestra que es un peligro #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/ZHPPPp85ww
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022
Taila Santos’ eye is swollen after a head collision with Valentina Shevchenko #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/I1d9C77qaA
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 12, 2022
Impresionante intercambio, Santos arranca dominando #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/LUt9in6Z6s
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022
Problemas de nuevo para Valentina en el suelo #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/DSajGxvKG9
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022
Sale agresiva Valentina ahora! #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/8rZ8ugJL9Z
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022
Esta pelea esta cerrada #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/VA3BwPMlEz
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022
Round por round de una cerrada y emocionante pelea #UFC275 pic.twitter.com/NFgHvZnEKB
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) June 12, 2022