Since former UFC bantamweight champion Holly Holm (pictured) won’t get an immediate rematch against Miesha Tate for a chance to reclaim her throne, why not fight Valentina Shevchenko instead?
Who?
Holm is looking to bounce back from the first loss of her professional MMA career after posting the most impressive win in the cage. The former boxer turned the MMA world upside down when she annihilated Ronda Rousey in November to capture the belt. Instead of holding out for a blockbuster payday in an immediate rematch against the UFC’s golden girl, Holm decided to risk the largest paycheck of her life in March’s bout with Tate.
That gamble didn’t pay off for Holm after getting choked unconscious in the fifth and final round.
Tate now defends her belt against Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 and Holm is headlining UFC on FOX 20 against Shevchenko.
Former light heavyweight top contenders Anthony Johnson and Glover Teixeira will also collide in the July 23 card alongside Holm. That shootout will likely serve as the co-main attraction.
Johnson has won 11 of his past 12 bouts, including two straight. “Rumble,” the division’s scariest fighter, knocked out Jimi Manuwa and Ryan Bader after getting submitted by Daniel Cormier at UFC 187 for Jon Jones’ vacant light heavyweight title.
Teixeira has rattled off three consecutive victories after dropping two straight. The Brazilian has finished off Ovince St. Preux, Pat Cummins and Rashad Evans during his current run.
United Center in Chicago will host UFC on FOX 20. FOX will broadcast the main card live.
“UFC Tonight” reported Wednesday that both matcheps were targeted for the event.
Here is the show’s updated lineup:
Luis Henrique vs. Dmitry Smolyakov
Kailin Curran vs. Felice Herrig
Tony Martin vs. Michel Prazeres
Frankie Saenz vs. Eddie Wineland
James Moontasri vs. Alex Oliveira
George Sullivan vs. Hector Urbina
Ryan LaFlare vs. Alexander Yakovlev
Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez
Anthony Johnson vs. Glover Teixeira
Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko
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