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23rd Jul 2016

This UFC staredown between Holly Holm and Valentina Shevchenko was almost uncomfortably long

Neither wanted to give an inch

Darragh Murphy

Many fight fans believe the outcome of a fight can often be foreshadowed by the staredown that takes place after the weigh-ins.

Some fighters are too emotionally involved, some look drawn out and most try to get that little bit of advantage in the mental warfare.

Holly Holm’s composure when squaring off with opponents is well known and that got right under Ronda Rousey’s skin ahead of their UFC women’s bantamweight title fight last November.

On that occasion, ‘Rowdy’ let emotion get the better of her the night before she lost her belt and undefeated record.

We saw a similar resolution from ‘The Preacher’s Daughter’ on Friday night, when she came face to face with Valentina Shevchenko on the eve of their UFC on FOX 20 headliner.

But she was met with an unwavering Shevchenko and 20 seconds passed with neither fighter willing to blink in the battle to appear unflinching.

The awkwardness was clear for all to see on Joe Silva’s face.

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