Jennifer Maia Turned Down Fight With Valentina Shevchenko At UFC Fight Night Belem
Invicta FC Flyweight Champion Jennifer Maia recently defended her title against Agnieszka Niedzwiedz in the main event of Invicta FC 26.
The champion was offered a fight against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC Fight Night Belem, but had to turn the opportunity down.
"They offered me this fight, but I thought it was too close to my fight,” said Maia to MMA Fighting. "Valentina is a very tough opponent, a former title contender in the UFC who is going down to flyweight now. I just got out of a fight and I need some time to rest and recover before training for someone like Valentina. I accept to fight her, but if given more time. I spoke with my coaches and decided to wait. I didn’t get injured in the fight, but it’s necessary to get some rest before you come back with full focus, especially against Valentina, a super tough opponent."
Shevchenko will now face UFC newcomer Priscila Cachoeira at the event.
Maia still expects her next fight to come in the UFC, despite the fact that the fighter turned down a bout against Shevchenko.
"I expect my next fight to be in the UFC,” Maia said.
UFC Fight Night Belem tyakes place on Saturday, February 3 from the Manguerinho Gymnasium in Belem, Brazil with Lyoto Machida and Eryk Anders headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Fox Sports 1.
