UFC on FOX 23 video recap: Shevchenko submits Peña to likely earn title shot

Valentina Shevchenko proved that she is not just a striker by defeating Julianna Peña via armbar in the second round.

Valentina Shevchenko has made a name for herself as a dangerous striker. But against Julianna Pena, she was able to showcase her complete MMA game, en route to a second round armbar finish.

What was the high point of the fight?

Given her Muay Thai credentials, most people were expecting “The Bullet” to keep the fight standing. But it was her clinch game and underrated submission skills that were on point for this fight.

Shevchenko was able to beat Peña in her own game by putting on a better showing in the tie-up through her sneaky sweeps. Peña was forced to put up a tight clinch battle early in the second round, which may likely have taken a lot of her energy.

Where do these two go from here?

The fight that fans foresee as of the moment is a rematch between Shevchenko and Amanda Nunes, this time with UFC gold on the line. It has been nearly a year since the two women faced each other, and both have definitely improved massively along the way. It would be interesting to see how these versions of themselves would match-up against each other this time around.

Peña has been clamoring for the next title shot even before this fight was made. And like how it goes in the fight game, “The Venezuelan Vixen” drops back down and would need to work her way back up before even being considered for a number one contender fight. But if she does end up getting a fight against Ronda Rousey whom she has repeatedly called out, a win could prove to be a huge statement.

Watch it now, later or never?

Shevchenko’s armbar from finish the guard is something MMA fans have not seen in a while. It was superbly executed, making this fight a must-see.

WOW! @BulletValentina pulls out an impressive armbar victory in 2nd round to defeat the @VenezeulanVixen. #UFCDenver https://t.co/3b6O6enJ7o

— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) January 29, 2017

Valentina Shevchenko proved that she is not just a striker by defeating Julianna Peña via armbar in the second round.

Valentina Shevchenko has made a name for herself as a dangerous striker. But against Julianna Pena, she was able to showcase her complete MMA game, en route to a second round armbar finish.

What was the high point of the fight?

Given her Muay Thai credentials, most people were expecting “The Bullet” to keep the fight standing. But it was her clinch game and underrated submission skills that were on point for this fight.

Shevchenko was able to beat Peña in her own game by putting on a better showing in the tie-up through her sneaky sweeps. Peña was forced to put up a tight clinch battle early in the second round, which may likely have taken a lot of her energy.

Where do these two go from here?

The fight that fans foresee as of the moment is a rematch between Shevchenko and Amanda Nunes, this time with UFC gold on the line. It has been nearly a year since the two women faced each other, and both have definitely improved massively along the way. It would be interesting to see how these versions of themselves would match-up against each other this time around.

Peña has been clamoring for the next title shot even before this fight was made. And like how it goes in the fight game, “The Venezuelan Vixen” drops back down and would need to work her way back up before even being considered for a number one contender fight. But if she does end up getting a fight against Ronda Rousey whom she has repeatedly called out, a win could prove to be a huge statement.

Watch it now, later or never?

Shevchenko’s armbar from finish the guard is something MMA fans have not seen in a while. It was superbly executed, making this fight a must-see.