Valentina Shevchenko defeated Jennifer Maia at UFC 255. The following is the chronology of Shevchenko's victory over Maia in the race for the flyingweight title at UFC 255.
Despite the absolute victory, Shevchenko still faced fierce resistance from the challenger.
In the first round, Shevchenko kicked first while Maia tried to throw a punch. After 30 seconds the fight moved to ground fighting with Shevchenko on top of Maia.
Maia tried to flank Shevchenko's body with both feet and the two fighters took a number of punches to the face. Shevchenko, whose neck was tried to be locked by Maia, released two sharp elbows.
The ground fighting position does not change until the first round of action ends.
In the second round, the two fighters started the fight by trying to get the fight back to the ground fighting. Maia urged Shevchenko to the octagon fence. Shevchenko defends with punches and knee kicks.
Maia managed to bring down Shevchenko with 2.5 minutes remaining and again tried to push him through the ground fighting. This time Maia is above Shevchenko in ground fighting.
Position in the ground fighting lasted until the second round ended.
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 08: Valentina Shevchenko celebrates her victory over Jessica Eye during the UFC 238 at United Center on June 8, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.
Shevchenko and Maia tried to do a standing fight at the start of the third round. After exchanging blows for a minute, Maia again pushed Shevchenko over the octagon fence.
When the match started again, Shevchenko's shot hit Maia in the head even though he didn't go straight. Shevchenko also successfully hit Maia in the face and took a takedown.
Shevchenko finds it difficult to lock up because Maia's defense is pretty neat. In one minute remaining, the game is back in the standing fight. Shevchenko did a takedown but the third round bell rang.
Next, the fight goes on a standing fight. Maia was not afraid of the exchange of blows with Shevchenko. Shevchenko's hitting speed gave him the advantage as a number of Shevchenko's punches went into Maia's face.
Shevchenko took another takedown when the game entered the third minute. Shevchenko in the top position launched a strike with a shoulder blow and a left hand strike. Maia found it difficult to reply because her hands had difficulty launching attacks.
Despite the difficulties and unable to respond, Maia managed to survive until the end of the fourth round.
In the fifth round Shevchenko landed a number of strikes with kicks and punches. But Maia remained unwavering and tried to push Shevchenko over the fence.
Blood had started pouring from Maia's face as a result of Shevchenko's numerous attacks that broke through his defenses.
The fight continues in a standing fight until the fight ends. Shevchenko was declared the winner because three judges gave him a 49-46 lead.