UFC officials caused an uproar Tuesday around the MMA world and especially on social media when they announced the main event for UFC 230.
With fights such as Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman and Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz already on the docket for Madison Square Garden on November 3, the promotion added a title bout.
No, it isn’t one for the debuting 165-pound title between Poirier and Diaz.
Not, it isn’t an interim belt for Rockhold and Weidman to fight over.
No, it isn’t another champion stepping in.
Instead, the UFC is giving us Valentina Shevchenko vs. Sijara Eubanks for the vacant female flyweight title. Wait, you might be saying, I thought Shevchenko and Joanna Jedrzejczyk were to meet for that belt at UFC 231 in December?
Joe Rogan had some candid comments about it all:
"No offense but I don't even know who Sijara Eubanks is and I'm the commentator for the UFC"
~ Joe Rogan just now on his podcast #UFC230 https://t.co/sI0SE5GEdX
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) October 2, 2018
Well, turns out the UFC really, really, really wants to crown a female flyweight champion as soon as possible.
Needless to say, most are not happy with the decision. The interesting thing, though, is that many who have already sounded off, would have been content – at least they are saying – with the lineup staying as it was before Tuesday with Poirier and Diaz just meeting in a five-round main event.
Heck, personally, I’d have no issues seeing the rematch between Rockhold and Weidman contested over five rounds either.
Just who is Sijara Eubanks? She is a 33-year-old with a career MMA record of 3-2 and is very thankful for the opportunity.
It’s signed!! UFC 230 Nov 3 at the iconic Madison Square Garden for the women’s Flyweight Title! Big thanks @Mickmaynard2 @danawhite for giving me my shot. @AliAbdelaziz00 for being the manager in the game period. @MarkCoachmark13 @ricalmeidabjj @JamalPatterson and the whole team pic.twitter.com/yoxwPYQXI4
— Sijara SarJ Eubanks (@SarJnCharge) October 2, 2018
Eubanks was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 26, which was used to crown the first-ever female flyweight champion. She bested Maia Stevenson, DeAnna Bennett and Roxanne Modafferi to advance to the finals, but was pulled after kidney failure while attempting to cut weight to meet Nicco Montano.
This past June, she won her official UFC debut via decision over Lauren Murphy, adding to wins over AmberLynn Orr and Gina Begley. Her two losses have come at the hands of Aspen Ladd and Katlyn Chookagian.
So, there you have it. Shevchenko will not be facing “Joanna Champion” at this time and instead will get Eubanks.
Have fun MSG!
UFC 230 Fight Card
For Vacant UFC Female Flyweight Championship
Valentina Shevchenko vs. Sijara Eubanks
Middleweight: Luke Rockhold vs. Chris Weidman
Middleweight: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza vs. David Branch
Middleweight: Yoel Romero vs. Paulo Costa
Lightweight: Dustin Poirier vs. Nate Diaz
Middleweight: Derek Brunson vs. Israel Adesanya
Bantamweight: Lyman Good vs. Sultan Aliev
Bantamweight: Brian Kelleher vs. Domingo Pilarte
Lightweight: Matt Frevola vs. Lando Vannata
Middleweight: Karl Roberson vs. Jack Marshman
Featherweight: Shane Burgos vs. Kurt Holobaugh
Featherweight: Julio Arce vs. Sheymon Moraes
Featherweight: Jason Knight vs. Jordan Rinaldi
