The top ranked contender in the flyweight division could be calling it a quits after this weekend’s UFC Fight Island 6 event. Katlyn Chookagian (14-3) is considering hanging up her gloves for good following this weekend’s event.
Chookagian will be welcoming former UFC strawweight champion, Jessica Andrade (20-8), to the flyweight division this Saturday night. It’s a big time fight for the flyweight division and it could determine who’s going to get the next shot at Valentina Schevchenko.
Shevchenko will defend her title at UFC 255, but she will be a massive favorite over challenger, Jennifer Maia. Whoever wins at UFC Fight Island 6 would have a clear argument as the top contender in the flyweight division.
However, Chookagian might not be interested in rematching with the champion. The top UFC flyweight contender has been itching to start a family over. She told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that she’s taking her career fight by fight, but this Saturday could be it.
Interesting note on Katlyn Chookagian (@blondefighter) who fights Jessica Andrade, she told me she's really looking forward to starting a family and when she does, she likely won't return to MMA. Even considered making her last fight her final one. Taking it fight by fight.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) October 13, 2020
A lot riding on UFC Fight Island 6
It’s very interesting to see a fighter in Chookagian’s position take the stance she is. It’s extremely admirable, but it’s rare that a fighter would walk away right before getting a UFC title shot. However, if she wins Saturday, she could do just that.
Chookagian fought the champion back at UFC 247. Shevchenko walked away with her hand raised that night. A very motivated Chookagian bounced back by dominating Shevchenko’s sister, Antonina, at UFC on ESPN 9.
Chookagian looked like she could once again be a formattable challenger for the UFC title following that victory. However, she might not take that chance given the way she’s currently talking.
On the other side of the cage is Jessica Andrade. The former champion is coming off a razor close loss to Rose Namajunas back at UFC 251. Many people believe Andrade is finally fighting in her natural weight class which is scary. This should be a fantastic matchup with multiple storylines on Saturday.