It would appear that with just about a month to go before the event, we finally have our headliner for UFC 230 because Brett Okamoto of ESPN is reporting that #1 Valentina Shevchenko and #4 Sijara Eubanks will battle for the vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Title in the featured spot.
A report had surfaced last month stating that Shevchenko and former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Joanna Jedzrejczyk were going to battle for the title at UFC 231, no reason has been given as to why the plans were changed or why Jedrzejczyk is no longer in title contention.
Shevchenko (15-3-0) is currently undefeated in the women’s flyweight division, having defeated Priscila Cachoeira by second round submission at UFC Fight Night Belem. Shevchenko was supposed to fight then UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Nicco Montano for the gold at UFC 228, but Montano pulled out of the fight and was subsequently stripped of the title. Shevchenko has previously challenged for the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title, losing to Amanda Nunes by split decision at UFC 215.
Eubanks (3-2-0) is currently undefeated in UFC competition, having beaten Lauren Murphy by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night Utica. Eubanks was originally supposed to fight Nicco Montano for the vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Title in the finals of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 26, but pulled out of the bout due to the effects of weight cutting. Eubanks has suffered two defeats as a professional MMA fighter, with both coming to UFC veterans Aspen Ladd and Katlyn Chookagian.
UFC 230 takes place on Saturday, November 3 from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York with Valentina Shevchenko and Sijara Eubanks headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
