UFC on Fox 23: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Predictions

Julianna PenaTroy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Amos

This is a marquee matchup at 135, where Julianna Pena is attempting to enter title talks and Valentina Shevchenko is looking to earn a rematch against the current champion, whom she nearly defeated last year. I like Shevchenko to win the majority of exchanges on the feet, and to manage to fend off Pena's pressure. She'll compile the requisite points to win or the scorecards.

Shevchenko, unanimous decision

Rondina

Shevchenko and Pena are both excellent on paper, but Pena's style is much friendlier for the judges. Shevchenko might put on a strong performance, and might even do well enough to have some people score it in her favor. Two out of the three judges, though, will give it to Pena.

Pena, split decision

McCarter

Well, here we go. The women's bantamweight title eliminator. And, yes, it is a striker vs. grappler battle. It's as simple as Pena being successful with her takedowns. If she is, she wins. If not, Shevchenko runs away with it on the feet.

I've been critical of Pena since before she stepped foot on The Ultimate Fighter, and she has done well to make me eat crow. Her performance against Cat Zingano was impressive. But I don't think she can sustain that against Shevchenko.

Shevchenko has a fairly underrated grappling game which will prevent Pena from being too successful in that department. On the feet, she's going to school Pena. Barring a swift overhand right from Pena flooring Shevchenko, we're in store for an Amanda Nunes vs. Valentina Shevchenko rematch.

Shevchenko, unanimous decision

Harris

I hate to fall back on the striker-grappler trope. Well, actually, no I don't. It makes my job easier! Pena is a beast on the ground and Shevchenko is a muay thai wizard. This one is razor close but Pena will get this to the ground and she'll stifle and punish Shevchenko there. It may be a bit anticlimatic, but it will be a legitimate national coming-out party for a talented if controversial figure in Pena.

Pena, unanimous decision