ABU DHABI – Katlyn Chookagian is in a weird spot, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Perennially among the top few women’s flyweights in the UFC rankings, Chookagian (18-4 MMA, 11-4 UFC) has proven to be a difficult out to nearly every opponent not named Valentina Shevchenko (23-3 MMA, 12-2 UFC). Seemingly in the role as an unofficial gatekeeper to the champion, Chookagian has embraced the position.
“I’d prefer to be in Valentina’s position, to be honest,” Chookagian told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “If I’m not there yet, then it’s not a bad place to be.”
A large majority of Shevchenko’s past opponents, including Chookagian, suffered lopsided losses to the champ, leaving fans disinterested in seeing rematches. With seven wins and only one loss since her failed attempt in February 2020, Chookagian thinks if she continues to win the promotion will have no choice but to give her another shot.
“I think for me it’s been over two-and-a-half years since I fought for the title,” Chookagian said. “I’ve had seven fights in the UFC since. I’m 6-1 since then. If I win this fight Saturday, it’s a five-fight win streak. I think a win on Saturday would kind of change my position a little bit to be in the conversation for another title shot.”
The ideal scenario for Chookagian is to defeat Manon Fiorot (9-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at UFC 280 on Saturday, then get an immediate title shot. Plan B, however, could be a title eliminator vs. budding contender Alexa Grasso, who defeated Viviane Araujo by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 212 this past Saturday.
“Obviously if I had a choice, I’d prefer a title shot,” Chookagian said. “I never say no to any fights. I take them all. Yeah, I would prefer that. I’d prefer the title shot, but I’d definitely take that (Grasso) fight if that’s what I would have to do.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 280.
