Bantamweights Amanda Nunes, Valentina Shevchenko to Clash at UFC 196

A matchup of female bantamweights has been added to the UFC 196 bill, as Amanda Nunes will face Valentina Shevcheko on March 5.

Promotion officials announced the contest on Thursday. UFC 196 takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and is headlined by a lightweight championship showdown between Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor.

Nunes has won four of her five Octagon appearances, with her lone setback coming against Cat Zingano at UFC 178. Most recently, “Lioness” submitted former title challenger Sara McMann with a rear-naked choke in the opening round at UFC Fight Night Nashville this past August.

Shevchenko won her fifth straight bout in her promotional debut, taking a split-decision victory against ex-Strikeforce queen Sarah Kaufman at UFC on Fox 17 in December. The Lima native is 12-1 as a professional overall and has finished nine of her victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission.