Amanda Nunes Edges Valentina Shevchenko Out in a Razor Close Split Decision

It’s finally here. Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko finally meet for the second time. We were supposed to get this fight at UFC 213, but unfortunately Amanda Nunes’ severe sinusitis flared up and she pulled out. After going through the build-up three times, Nunes and Shevchenko wasted no time getting after each other tonight at UFC 215. Arguably two of the best women fighters on the planet threw down to see who improved since UFC 196.

@BulletValentina just dislocated her finger… Then had it popped back into place in her corner. She didn't even flinch. #savage

— Michael Mardones (@LayzieTheSavage) September 10, 2017

The challenger loosening up in round 2!!

How do we have it? 1-1? 2-0?@Amanda_Leoa | @BulletValentina | RD 3 up NOW #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/vIMyXgBJOv

— UFC (@ufc) September 10, 2017

It started to look like a mirror of Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson’s second fight. The fight is close and Nunes and Shevchenko were cautious of engaging, but when action happened it was hard and vicious shots from both women. As Joe Rogan said in the third round, this fight was more “tactical then technical”. It’s also a battle that has taken place solely on the feet standing up.

https://twitter.com/mikeyjthompson/status/906736859224657920

Fourth round!

Who's winning this one at #UFC215? Amanda Nunes or Valentina Shevchenko? pic.twitter.com/m3ANMb5E6i

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 10, 2017

Final Round between Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko!!

Who'll leave #UFC215 with the belt? pic.twitter.com/pPwa4CJhLx

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 10, 2017

Entering into the championship rounds, the fight heats up. Amanda Nunes rocks Shevchenko, then later Valentina returns the favor with a sick combo ending off with a vicious body knee. It becomes more of the same only with the suspense boiling over. The fight was incredibly even and on it’s way to a controversial split decision or even a draw.

We head to the final round!!

2-2? How we scoring this?! #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/P9RqkPyhpf

— UFC (@ufc) September 10, 2017

https://twitter.com/mikedyce/status/906739984606081025

In the final round, Amanda Nunes scored two takedowns. As the fight ends, Nunes is still on top of Shevchenko and they exchange some heated words which results in Valentina kicking her off after the bell. They end up hugging each other before the decision though, as Amanda Nunes retains her title in a razor-close split-decision. She apologized for pulling of her last fight in an emotional post-fight interview.

Nunes, who is getting booed, is very emotional afterwards. She's crying talking to Rogan.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 10, 2017

No prizes for guessing what @BulletValentina thought of that decision! #UFC215 pic.twitter.com/WiAcogBPcl

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) September 10, 2017

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 9/9/2017.