Joanne
Calderwood gave up her title shot to stay active, and Jennifer
Maia ended up being the primary beneficiary from that
decision.
Maia staked her claim to a No. 1 contender spot at UFC Fight Night
173, as she submitted Calderwood with an armbar in the first round
of their co-main event clash at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on
Saturday night. Afterward, the Brazilian called out Valentina
Shevchenko, and the reigning 125-pound queen seemed to be
impressed by Maia’s performance, simply responding, “See you soon,
Jennifer Maia.”
See you soon Jennifer Maia
— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina)
August 2, 2020
“Ever since I got in the UFC, I’ve never had an easy fight. I
always test myself in those fights. I’m happy the champion is
talking about me. I’m ready to fight for the title,” Maia said. “I
want to fight with the champion. It’s going to be a pleasure to
fight her.”
Maia has won nine of her last 11 fights in the UFC and Invicta
dating back to 2015. While Shevchenko has looked nearly unbeatable
since moving down to 125 pounds, Maia welcomes the challenge.
“She’s very good everywhere,” Maia said. “But we’re gonna find out
when we fight. I’m feeling good, and I’m feeling ready.”
Shevchenko was supposed to make her next title defense against
Calderwood in June before withdrawing from the bout due to injury.
UFC president Dana White confirmed at Saturday’s post-fight press
conference that Maia had all but clinched the No. 1 contender’s
spot with her victory over Calderwood.
“I think that’s the fight,” White said. “I have a lot of respect
for Jojo. She’s been working hard, taking her career serious and
has been back on track since she moved to Vegas. Jennifer looked
damn good tonight. Yeah, it makes sense for her and Valentina to
fight.”