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UFC 262: Andrea Lee vs Antonina Shevchenko- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

UFC’s flyweights Andrea Lee and Antonina Shevchenko take to the center of the octagon at UFC 262. The bout kicks off an exciting main card that fits the bill for all kinds of fight fans. Chiefly, Lee and Shevchenko are technicians who also have the durability to put on a show.

The aforementioned scrap makes a lot of sense of paper as both women are placed right next to each other in the rankings. While there’s still plenty of talent to go through to reach the upper echelon of the top 10, a win is a step in the right direction. With Antonina Shevchenko’s sister, Valentina Shevchenko having set an example for the contenders, the bar has been well established.

Also Read- UFC 262: Ronaldo Souza vs Andre Muniz- Preliminary Card Prediction and Analysis

UFC 262: Andrea Lee vs Antonina Shevchenko

Andrea ‘KGB’ Lee is on a three-fight skid and her number 11 spot in the rankings is in jeopardy. However, the losses she’s suffered have been rather close, with two of the three being split decision defeats. Furthermore, Andrea Lee has only suffered setbacks against the very best that the division has to offer.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 12: (R-L) Andrea Lee lands a spinning back fist against Roxanne Modafferi in a flyweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on September 12, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Andrea Lee has shown significant improvements in her in-cage awareness that has led to a step-up in her defensive capabilities. Furthermore, ‘KGB’ is not afraid to move in and out of range in order the properly establish her rhythm. Given Antonina Shevchenko’s power at range, Lee will be looking to get in close and distribute her offense to rack up the scorecards.

‘La Pantera’: Rising up the ranks

Antonina Shevchenko is streaking in the flyweight division and is fresh off a dominant TKO win over Ariane Lipski. ‘La Pantera’ has already faced some stiff competition in her relatively short UFC tenure and will bank on her evolving skills. Her recent win over Lipski was eye-opening in many ways as she offered new looks that showcased her growth.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 21: (R-L) Antonina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan kicks Ariane Lipski of Brazil in their women’s flyweight bout during the UFC 255 event at UFC APEX on November 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

Training with the great ‘Bullet’, Valentina Shevchenko has lent itself to being the main driving force for Antonina Shevchenko. In certain aspects, she mirrors the abilities of her sister and has begun looking exceedingly crisp in the stand-up realm. However, she’s faced pacing issues in the past and will need to maintain a constant tempo against Lee.

Prediction: Andre Lee to claim a split decision victory

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