So it goes with the Shevchenko sisters that one plays the other’s opponent in training camp. That’s one nice benefit of having a world-class fighter for a sibling.

But in advance of dual fights approaching, Valentina and Antonina are doing things a little different this time around. They’re being themselves in the gym.

“She can’t imitate my opponent because she has to be herself for her fight with Joanna Jedrzejczyk,” Antonina Shevchenko told MMAjunkie Radio. “And I have to be myself for my fight in Las Vegas.”

The elder Shevchenko, Antonina (6-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is the first sister up when she meets Ji Yeon Kim (8-1-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) – a late replacement – at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale, which takes place Nov. 30 at Pearl Theater in Las Vegas and airs live on FS1.

Valentina Shevchenko (15-3 MMA, 4-2 UFC) meets Jedrzejczyk (14-2 MMA, 9-2 UFC) for the vacant women’s flyweight title in the co-headliner of UFC 231, which takes place Dec. 8 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto and airs live on pay-per-view.

A multi-title kickboxer and undefeated MMA fighter, Antonina returned to the cage full time in 2017 and stopped Jaymee Nievara on Dana White’s Contender Series to earn a UFC contract.

Although her debut is highly anticipated, she’s quite at home fighting in new environments.

“There is always pressure of being the first time world champion, or defending it, or fighting in different organizations,” she said. “Now it’s my first fight in the UFC, in the big leagues of MMA, and there is a kind of pressure and nervousness. But I can control it.

“I understand what I have to do: train hard and perform well. That’s all that’s important.”

Part of good training is maintaining focus, of course, which is why Antonina and Valentina don’t want to get confused about their own missions by playing the antagonist of the other.

Check out the above video to hear the UFC newcomer talk about her debut, and for more on The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

MMAjunkie Radio broadcasts Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) live from Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s Race & Sports Book. The show is hosted by “Gorgeous” George Garcia, Brian “Goze” Garcia and Dan Tom. For more information or to download past episodes, go to www.mmajunkie.com/radio.