Jessica Eye: ‘I Made Some Mistakes That Cost Me Dearly’ in Brutal KO Loss at UFC 238

Jessica Eye is going to be on highlight reels for a long time, but it’s not the way she would have envisioned it heading into her title bout with Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 238.

Eye was knocked unconscious by a head kick from Shevchenko just 26 seconds into round two of their co-main event clash in Chicago on Saturday night. The “Knockout of the Year” candidate ended Eye’s three-fight winning streak and her flyweight championship dreams.

The Ohio native was not present at the post-fight press conference, but she did release a statement on Twitter crediting Shevchenko for her performance.

Congratulations [Valentina Shevchenko] that was [an] incredible head kick. I am thankful for the chance to share the cage with you,” Eye wrote.

“To my true supporters: thank you so much for all that you do for me. I am OK and thank you for caring about me. I had a great camp and felt the best I have ever. I made some mistakes that cost me dearly. The fight game can be rough at times but it’s what I signed up for.”

Congratulations @BulletValentina that was incredible head kick. I am thankful for the chance to share the cage with you .

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) June 9, 2019

To my true supporters : thank you so much for all you do for me . I am ok and thank you for caring about me . I had a great camp and felt the best I have ever. I made some mistakes that cost me dearly. This fight game can be rough at times but it’s what I signed up for.

— Jessica Eye (@jessicaevileye) June 9, 2019

A four-bout skid at bantamweight prompted Eye’s move to 125 pounds, where she earned a title shot with consecutive triumphs over Kalindra Faria, Jessica Rose-Clark and Katlyn Chookagian. “Evil” did not give a timetable for her Octagon return.