UFC 247 sees two of the promotions most dominant champions, Jon Jones and Valentina Shevchenko defend their gold once again. Both open as large favourites and justifiably so, but whose reign is under the most threat?
Is Reyes’ Power the Answer at UFC 247?
Dominick Reyes goes into his fight with Jones at an unbeaten 12-0. Seven of those wins have come via KO/TKO. “The Devastator” fittingly holds as much power as his nickname would suggest, but is this the key to dethroning Jones? Jones has looked susceptible in his last two outings. Thiago Santos did a significant amount of damage with his power against Jones, so we know there is a vulnerability.
Jones has had more title fights (14) than Reyes has had fights (12), highlighting the obvious experience gap. Jones’ superiority across multiple fields inside the cage means Reyes’ power is the most probable method to an upset. Reyes was taken-down sharply by a smaller fighter in Chris Weidman in his last bout. This would suggest than Jones is more than capable of doing the same and dictating where the fight takes place.
Ultimately, Reyes’ power makes him dangerous, and Jones’ last outing may suggest he is overlooking his recent, inexperienced opponents. Reyes is aggressive, and Thiago Santos had success as the aggressor against Jones. He has a legitimate chance of winning.
Chookagian’s Secret Weapon
Katlyn Chookagian has one potential secret weapon at UFC 247 yet is still being largely overlooked. Chookagian is frequently involved in close fights, demonstrating a dogged ability to make fights competitive.
Both of her career losses against Liz Carmouche and Jessica Eye, Shevchenko’s two most recent challengers, were split-decisions. Her most recent victories against Joanne Calderwood and Jennifer Maia were also highly disputed. Against someone as technically sound as Shevchenko who’s used to dominant victories, this may be an asset.
Shevchenko is one of the best strikers in the UFC and has showcased her incredible grappling skills too. “The Bullet” has a sniper-like left leg, as seen with her KO over Jessica Eye. She has also made light work of fellow high-level strikers and former UFC champions Holly Holm and Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Her only losses since 2010 come against UFC dual champion and consensus greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes.
Shevchenko’s experience and technical superiority are gargantuan, so Chookagian’s scrappiness may be her best bet. If she can make this fight close, there’s a small chance she exits the Octagon as flyweight champion. The odds would suggest that she is fighting an uphill battle, however.
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