Valentina Shevchenko launched herself back into UFC title talk in Belem, Brazil Saturday night, while a referee drew the ire of many.
The former UFC Bantamweight title challenger Shevchenko saw her first UFC fight at 125 pounds against newcomer Priscila Cachoeira. After a one-sided drubbing that referee Mario Yamasaki refused to stop, Shevchenko submitted her opponent. The striking total between the two was 217-1.
Below is an excerpt from the second round of the assault. It's worth noting that Fightful scored round 1 a rare 10-7.
Round 2: With a trip, Shevchenko is on top. Shevchenko secures crucifix and starts landing elbows then she goes for a submission. She goes back to the crucifix. Cachoeira is in trouble and can not escape. Shevchenko goes to mount, Cachoeira rolls over. Shevchenko eventually gets the rear naked choke.
Official Result: #1 (WBW) Valentina Shevchenko def. Priscila Cachoeira by submission via rear naked choke (4:25, R1).
Shevchenko expressed her desire to compete against Nicco Montano for her UFC Flyweight championship when she gets healthy, but sadly, Yamasaki's lack of a stoppage gained more attention.
UFC President Dana White took aim at the referee on Instagram.
Following the event, UFC exec David Shaw stated that the company would be working with the local commissions to ensure that this didn't happen again.
You can see Fightful.com's full main card coverage of UFC Belem at this link, and the post-show podcast at this link.
