UFC on Fox 23 got a possible title eliminator as Julianna Pena vs. Valentina Shevchenko will headline the show. The UFC confirmed the news Tuesday afternoon.
The #3 Julianna Pena (8-2) has been seeking a title fight, but with Ronda Rousey's impending return, she'll have to settle for Shevchenko. Pena won the Ultimate Fighter Season 18, and is 4-0 in official competition within the UFC, last defeating Cat Zingano at UFC 200.
#2-ranked Shevchenko (15-2) made a name for herself in July by taking a five-round decision over former UFC Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm. Earlier this year, Shevchenko said that she signed a bout agreement to face Pena at UFC 205, but it didn't end up going down.
Pena threatened to leave the UFC if she didn't get a championship fight, which didn't end up happening.
UFC on Fox 23 takes place January 28 from the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.
