Wang Cong on Valentina Shevchenko rematch: ‘I can beat her any time’
While former undisputed flyweight titleholder, Valentina Shevchenko is gearing up for a title rematch return next month against Alexa Grasso in their trilogy clash at Noche UFC — a former kickboxing foe of the Krgysztan native, Wang Cong is confident of landing another win over the decorated striker if they share the Octagon down the line.
Cong, a former Kunlun Fight Legend of Mulan tournament victor, made her debut under the banner of the UFC over the course of this weekend on a Vegas 96 card, landing in the promotion with aplomb.
Stopping Brazilian opponent, Victoria Leonardo, Cong landed a stunning opening round one-punch knockout win inside an opening minute — earning herself a Performance of the Night bonus to boot.
Entering the Octagon off the back of an impressive win during an appearance on ‘Road to UFC’, Cong had previously scored a unanimous decision win over former undisputed flyweight champion, Shevchenko back in 2016, over the course of three rounds.
Wang Cong weighs up UFC rematch with former-foe, Valentina Shevchenko
And drawing obvious links to a rematch with Shevchenko under the banner of the promotion given their prior history outside of the Octagon — Cong remains confident of taking a second career win over the former champion in combat sports, claiming she would stop Shevchenko any time she likes.
“You guys only know i beat (Valentina) Shevchenko in kickboxing,” Wang Cong told assembled media after her win at UFC Vegas 96. “But you don’t know I’m a sambo world champion, a boxing world champion, and a kickboxing world champion.”
“I think comparing Valentina Shevchenko to me is that she has more experience,” Wang Cong explained. “But I took some time to compete in boxing. I believe my striking is better than hers. If she takes the fight, [I can beat her] any time.”
For Shevchenko, the former flyweight champion takes on the above-mentioned, Grasso in the co-main event of Noche UFC next month — as part of a title fight doubleheader at the Las Vegas Sphere.
