Holly Holm vs Valentina Shevchenko — Fight recap

Valentina Shevchenko defeated Holly Holm via unanimous decision over five rounds on July 23, 2016, showcasing superior striking efficiency and cage control. Shevchenko landed 87 of 185 significant strikes (47%) compared to Holm's 54 of 211 (25%), a decisive advantage in output and accuracy.

The Russian fighter also secured three takedowns at a 42% rate, controlling the action for 2:44 total while Holm managed only 1:45 of control time and zero takedown attempts. Shevchenko's leg strikes proved particularly effective, landing 40 of 52 attempts, while Holm struggled to find consistent offense, managing just 20 head strikes and 23 leg strikes across five rounds.

The unanimous decision reflected Shevchenko's dominant grappling and striking combination throughout the bout. The victory established Shevchenko as a legitimate title contender in the women's flyweight division and signaled a shift in momentum at 125 pounds.