ROUNDTABLE: Staff predictions for Roxanne Modafferi vs. Antonina Shevchenko

By Michael Hiscoe, Managing Editor

July 6, 2018; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Roxanne Modafferi reacts following her victory against Barb Honchak during the TUF 27 Finale at Pearl Theater. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Who will win Saturday’s fight between Roxanne Modafferi and Antonina Shevchenko?

Patrick Shaheen, Host – MMA Scope Podcast

I’m a huge fan of Roxanne, she’s a pioneer of women’s MMA, but I’m picking Shevchenko. Roxy is 3-3 in her last 6 and although she brings way more experience into the octagon against the undefeated Schevchenko, I think Antonina is going to be too much for her to handle.

Christian Moore, MMATorch Contributor

This fight is very obviously just part of the build for Shevchenko. They want her at the top fast, and this is a fight that looks good for her by rankings but is a very easy fight for her. Modafferi has the MMA experience, but she’s so inconsistent that I just don’t see Shevchenko losing. That being said, I’m guessing a decision win for Shevchenko, but I find myself rooting for a very quick finish because I can’t stand Valentina saying “AY!” in the corner every time either fighter throws a strike. Jokes aside, Shevchenko wins this easily.

Frank Hyden, Columnist – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

I think Modafferi wins a tight decision. I think it’s close until the end when Modafferi gets a takedown or knockdown or something to win the final round and get the decision. I don’t think the fight will be super exciting but it should be solid.


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Michael Hiscoe, MMATorch Managing Editor

Look, I love Roxanne Modafferi. We all do. She’s got that everywoman appeal about her that fans can easily identify with. If there’s an MMA equivalent to Daniel Bryan, it might be Modafferi. With that said, I think she’s being used here. She’s a fighter with a notable name who should be an easy enough win for Antonina Shevchenko. UFC would love to have a duo of sisters at the top of their UFC divisions, so a win for Shevchenko on Saturday will help them get closer to that goal. I think Roxy will put up a good fight but ultimately lose the decision in Russia.

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