MMA Preview – Valentina Shevchenko vs Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247
THE FACTS
When is UFC 247? Sunday 8th February, 2020 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 247? Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
What channel is UFC 247 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 247? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ which can you sign up to here!
Are tickets still available for UFC 247? https://www.ufc.com/tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
The first championship fight of the night takes place between flyweight queen Valentina Shevchenko and Katlyn Chookagian.
Shevchenko is up there with Amanda Nunes as one of the best female fighters ever and is in a league of her own in the flyweight division. After battling it out with bantamweights and only (narrowly) losing to Nunes she, has eased her way to 4-0 at flyweight making two defences of her crown. After earning a decision over Joanna Jedrzejczyk, she went on to clean Jessica Eye’s clock with a merciless head kick and is coming off a dominant decision over Liz Carmouche.
Worthy challengers are in short supply but Chookagian has earned her shot after two decision wins over Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia. This was after losing a very tight decision to Jessica Eye which snapped a three-fight winning streak.
THE PREDICTION
Chookagian is a very skilled fighter and continues to improve. She is a strong grappler and brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but has got her work done on the feet. She is a quality striker but lacks knockout power - with all her wins in the UFC coming via decision.
However, Shevchenko is simply better everywhere. She has immaculate technique on the feet and on the ground and despite the height and reach advantage, she is more powerful than Chookagian. Shevchenko is expected to control the fight and is capable of a finish wherever she decides to take it.
Winner: Shevchenko via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
