UFC 215: Nunes v Shevchenko 2 EDMONTON, AB - SEPTEMBER 09: Amanda Nunes, right, fights Valentina Shevchenko during UFC 215 at Rogers Place on September 9, 2017 in Edmonton, Canada.
E. Spencer Kyte recaps the action from Saturday's UFC pay-per-view in Edmonton.

AND STILL…

Saturday night in Edmonton, Amanda Nunes retained her UFC women’s bantamweight title, winning a split decision over tough challenger Valentina Shevchenko in a close fight that went right down to the wire.

Both fighters looked to pace themselves, with Nunes taking a far more conservative approach in the opening rounds than she has historically, conserving her energy where she previously would come out guns blazing. Over the first four rounds, it was a “Your turn, my turn” affair, with Nunes seemingly getting the better of things in the first and third, and Shevchenko responding each time, capturing the second and fourth. But with neither able to connect with anything serious or have an extended run of control, the bantamweight rivals hit the fifth round deadlocked and on track to go to the judges.

Shevchenko started well in the final round, connecting early and trying to take the fight to Nunes. However, the fight seemed to turn when the two clinched and Shevchenko failed to complete an ill-timed head-and-arm toss, allowing Nunes to momentarily take her back. As they returned to their feet, Nunes was able to drag the fight back to the canvas, finishing in top position. While she didn’t do any damage — and Shevchenko actually landed some good shots from bottom — Nunes was able to swing the verdict in her favour and hold on to her champion belt.