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#2. Amanda Nunes won a controversial split decision at UFC 215 against Valentina Shevchenko
'The Lioness' vs. 'Bullet' 2 at UFC 215 has been the argument for why a trilogy bout is necessary. It was Nunes' second title defense as champion and followed her knockout win against Ronda Rousey. The challenger was looking to avenge her loss from the previous year and, simultaneously, become champion.
The rematch between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko was a closely contested bout. However, it's important to note that Shevchenko got the better of the exchanges for most of the fight. Despite having two losses to Nunes, it wouldn't be the first time a trilogy has been booked under those circumstances.
Most recently, Alexander Volkanovski fought Max Holloway for the third time after 'The Great' had already won both their previous encounters. Shevchenko is in a similar situation to Holloway, as many felt 'Blessed' won his second bout with Volkanovski. With that in mind, a third bout could be enticing because of what transpired in the rematch
#1. The outcome could lead to a fourth bout for the UFC women's featherweight championship
There could be a lot more than the UFC women's bantamweight championship at stake in a trilogy bout between Shevchenko and Nunes. Both women are reigning champions in the promotion, but if 'Bullet' avenges her loss, it could set the stage for a fourth bout.
'Lioness' is the reigning women's featherweight champion. However, there are no definitive rankings for that division. Considering that both are considered the top pound-for-pound female fighters in the sport, a potential fourth bout could be significant. There's a strong possibility that Nunes would want an opportunity to avenge a loss should Shevchenko defeat her for the women's bantamweight championship.
Since both women are under consideration as the greatest female fighter of all time, the outcome of the fight could settle that argument. After losing out on a lucrative super-fight between Nunes and Kayla Harrison, perhaps Valentina Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes could be the next best thing.
