Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Katlyn Chookagian
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More Fantasy News
Finalizing details for May 30 bout
Chookagian (13-3, 6-3 UFC) is in the final stages of negotiation for an upcoming flyweight bout May 30 versus Antonina Shevchenko (8-1, 2-1 UFC), MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Chookagian will fight the Shevchenko sisters in consecutive fights, having lost to Valentina in the Women's Flyweight Championship bout in early February via TKO in the third round. While the elder Shevchenko sister isn't quite as decorated as her younger sister, she does have a pair of victories under the UFC umbrella in three previous bouts. Chookagian holds one-inch advantages in both height and reach over Shevchenko and, while her striking numbers and defense fall short of her opponent, Chookagian certainly has a tougher track record of prior fights that skew the stats.
Chookagian will fight the Shevchenko sisters in consecutive fights, having lost to Valentina in the Women's Flyweight Championship bout in early February via TKO in the third round. While the elder Shevchenko sister isn't quite as decorated as her younger sister, she does have a pair of victories under the UFC umbrella in three previous bouts. Chookagian holds one-inch advantages in both height and reach over Shevchenko and, while her striking numbers and defense fall short of her opponent, Chookagian certainly has a tougher track record of prior fights that skew the stats.
No-shows UFC 247 title fight
Chookagian came up short in her quest for the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship, falling to Valentina Shevchenko via TKO (punches) at 1:03 of Round 3 at UFC 247 in Houston.
ANALYSIS
That went about as well as expected. It's difficult to get on Chookagian for her performance because she shouldn't have been in there against Shevchenko in the first place. Facing one of the most dominant fighters in the sport today, Chookagian offered zero resistance. She couldn't defend Valentina's attacks and was unable to generate any offense of her own. Chookagian has zero stopping power in her hands and built her resume by taking decisions from fringe fighters. The scary thing is that she's actually one of the better competitors in the ultra-thin 125-pound UFC women's division. Chookagian has a chance to remain competitive against second-tier opposition, but she isn't a top talent.
That went about as well as expected. It's difficult to get on Chookagian for her performance because she shouldn't have been in there against Shevchenko in the first place. Facing one of the most dominant fighters in the sport today, Chookagian offered zero resistance. She couldn't defend Valentina's attacks and was unable to generate any offense of her own. Chookagian has zero stopping power in her hands and built her resume by taking decisions from fringe fighters. The scary thing is that she's actually one of the better competitors in the ultra-thin 125-pound UFC women's division. Chookagian has a chance to remain competitive against second-tier opposition, but she isn't a top talent.
Largest underdog on card
Chookagian enters fight week as approximately a (-1100) betting underdog for her shot at the women's flyweight championship against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 247 on Saturday in Houston.
ANALYSIS
There's little question Chookagian has earned this opportunity after winning five of her last six fights overall, but Shevchenko has yet to be truly challenged during her flyweight title reign, and will continue to be a massive favorite for the foreseeable future. Chookagian actually sports superior striking volume with a mark of 4.35 significant strikes landed per minute, though it's important to note Shevchenko's mark of 3.02 has been amassed over a significantly larger sample size against elite competition, much of which was accumulated at bantamweight. Those using Chookagian in fantasy lineups this weekend will have to hope her striking volume gets put to use, as she has yet to record a takedown in eight UFC fights. It also might be unwise to rely on any kind of finishing bonus, as all eight of Chookagian's UFC fights have ended up in the hands of the judges.
There's little question Chookagian has earned this opportunity after winning five of her last six fights overall, but Shevchenko has yet to be truly challenged during her flyweight title reign, and will continue to be a massive favorite for the foreseeable future. Chookagian actually sports superior striking volume with a mark of 4.35 significant strikes landed per minute, though it's important to note Shevchenko's mark of 3.02 has been amassed over a significantly larger sample size against elite competition, much of which was accumulated at bantamweight. Those using Chookagian in fantasy lineups this weekend will have to hope her striking volume gets put to use, as she has yet to record a takedown in eight UFC fights. It also might be unwise to rely on any kind of finishing bonus, as all eight of Chookagian's UFC fights have ended up in the hands of the judges.
Gets her title shot
Chookagian will challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship on Feb. 8, Ariel Helwani of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The name and location of the event have yet to be determined, though Helwani did note that Houston is currently the frontrunner to host it. It's a big opportunity for Chookagian, who will get to compete in a high-profile bout on a pay-per-view card after winning five of her last six fights. On the downside, she'll face one of the best female fighters on the planet and presumably enter as a heavy betting underdog. Chookagian enters this matchup with zero career takedowns and a poor 56 percent career takedown defense, but Shevchenko should be perfectly content to keep this one standing as long as it lasts. Chookagian does have an edge in striking volume, but Shevchenko is far more accurate with much superior striking defense. Chookagian has yet to be finished in her seven-fight run with the company, as each of her fights have ended up going to the judges.
The name and location of the event have yet to be determined, though Helwani did note that Houston is currently the frontrunner to host it. It's a big opportunity for Chookagian, who will get to compete in a high-profile bout on a pay-per-view card after winning five of her last six fights. On the downside, she'll face one of the best female fighters on the planet and presumably enter as a heavy betting underdog. Chookagian enters this matchup with zero career takedowns and a poor 56 percent career takedown defense, but Shevchenko should be perfectly content to keep this one standing as long as it lasts. Chookagian does have an edge in striking volume, but Shevchenko is far more accurate with much superior striking defense. Chookagian has yet to be finished in her seven-fight run with the company, as each of her fights have ended up going to the judges.
Improves to 5-1 in last six bouts
Chookagian defeated Jennifer Maia via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 244 on Saturday in New York City.
ANALYSIS
Chookagian agreed to this fight even after Maia failed to make weight Friday and lived to tell about it. She walked away with 25 percent of Maia's purse for good measure. As has been the case in virtually all of Chookagian's UFC bouts, it was a solid, if unspectacular performance. Chookagian is a good counter striker who throws a lot of volume. She has very, very little power and limited athleticism. Chookagian is now 5-1 in her past six fights dating back to April 2017, but all five wins have come via decision. While Chookagian is currently ranked No. 1 in the UFC women's flyweight division, she doesn't have the look of a high-level competitor. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Chookagian could be next in line for a shot at Valentina Shevchenko's UFC Women's Flyweight Champion. If that fight is actually made, Chookagian would be a monumental, perhaps record-setting underdog.
Chookagian agreed to this fight even after Maia failed to make weight Friday and lived to tell about it. She walked away with 25 percent of Maia's purse for good measure. As has been the case in virtually all of Chookagian's UFC bouts, it was a solid, if unspectacular performance. Chookagian is a good counter striker who throws a lot of volume. She has very, very little power and limited athleticism. Chookagian is now 5-1 in her past six fights dating back to April 2017, but all five wins have come via decision. While Chookagian is currently ranked No. 1 in the UFC women's flyweight division, she doesn't have the look of a high-level competitor. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Chookagian could be next in line for a shot at Valentina Shevchenko's UFC Women's Flyweight Champion. If that fight is actually made, Chookagian would be a monumental, perhaps record-setting underdog.