Maryna Moroz is a model and UFC flyweight who hopes to end Valentina Shevchenkos dominant title r

UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is running out of challengers after defending her title seven times in the last three years.

However, the 125lb queen could soon be faced with a new rival in the form of Maryna Moroz who is on a three-fight win streak ahead of the toughest test of her career.

On Saturday, she’ll take on No.6 ranked Jennifer Maia at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, with the winner putting themselves in the conversation for a shot at ‘Bullet’ who is currently unmatched.

Things are going well for Moroz right now. Not only is she on the verge of greatness in her UFC career, but she’s also making big things happen in her second career as a model.

The 31-year-old recently became the first UFC fighter in history to pose for the iconic men’s lifestyle and entertainment magazine, Playboy and she couldn’t be happier about it.

“Everyone knows Playboy and they are the biggest brand in the modelling space,” Moroz told talkSPORT.

“I talked with my manager, and he reached out about starting on their new platform called Centerfold and from there all the ideas came about making me the new and only UFC girl on Playboy.

“It means a lot to be the first UFC athlete to work with the brand. It’s very difficult being an active fighter and managing both but I am super excited for the challenge and hope to show off their new merchandise and all my content soon.”

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For Moroz, linking up with a massive brand such as Playboy was the natural next step for her modelling career which only started a couple of years ago.

“I’ve been modelling for about two years now I have another exclusive content site and I have been only getting more into it and doing more photo shoots now,” she added.

“This is just on top of my UFC earnings and helps me pay the bills when I’m not fighting and I’m having a lot of fun doing it a lot of great opportunities, including sponsors, and marketing have came in because of these types of deals with modelling that I have going on.

Despite her continued success outside the Octagon, ‘Iron Lady’ remains intent on achieving her dream of becoming a UFC champion and believes that she could be the one to eventually dethrone Shevchenko.

“Valentina is very strong in many ways, and she is very dangerous for 125 pounds,” Moroz said.

“I think I have gained a lot of versatility and I have improved in every aspect these past few years. I think with the proper game plan, my coaches, and having a good camp, we can figure out weaknesses and take advantage."

First things first, Moroz understands she’s got a tough opponent in front of her and refuses to look past Maia who pushed Shevchenko all the way just two years ago.

“I am most focused about Jennifer,” she concluded. “Then after I’ll start looking in that direction but right now, I want to keep focus and discipline and I’m sure with that I will see Valentina soon.”

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