Valentina Shevchenko is one of the most successful UFC fighters in history. She has an impressive record, and she shows no signs of slowing down. In this biography, we will take a look at Valentina's life and her road to success in the UFC. We will also explore her training methods and what motivates her to keep fighting. Valentina is an inspiration to many people, and she is sure to continue dominating the UFC for years to come!
The Early Days
Valentina Shevchenko was born in Kyrgyzstan in 1988. Valentina had a good fighting pedigree starting out since her mother, Elena Shevchenko, is the president of Kyrgyzstan's national Muay Thai association and a former multiple-time Muay Thai champion. Her father had also played on the Kyrgyz national football team, and he served in the Soviet Army. As you can see, Valentinas had fighting genes in her from the very start.
She began training in taekwondo at the age of five, and she quickly developed into a talented fighter. At the age of 12, Valentina started training Muay Thai and Vale Tudo. Now the next part sounds straight from a movie, but in fact, it is not fiction. Valentina, at only 12 years old, knocked her 22-year-old opponent down in one of her first kickboxing matches. It is there where she earned the nickname "Bullet" for her speed.
Valentina later relocated to Peru, where she, together with her coach, started teaching martial arts. her sister Antonina is also an accomplished fighter who also fights in the UFC. The two sisters even fought on the same UFC card (UFC 255), therefore making history as the first pair of sisters fighting on the same card.
Valentinas Kickboxing Career
Between 2003 and 2015, Valentina amassed more than 90 amateur/pro fights in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and K-1. She won 8 gold medals when she competed in the IFMA world championships (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014). During her kickboxing days, she fought many future UFC fighters, such as the UFC Women's Strawweight Champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Lina Lansberg.
Valentina's MMA Career
Valentina started off her professional MMA career when she was only 15 years old. She won her first fight via TKO in the second round. She won her next six fights before she decided she wanted to take a break from MMA to focus on her Muay Thai/Kickboxing career.
She once again returned to MMA in 2010 at C3 Fights, where she lost her first MMA fight. The loss, however, was due to a controversial doctor stoppage due to a large cut on Valentina's face. Valentina won her next MMA fight against Akjarkyn Baiturbaeva before once again taking a hiatus from MMA to focus on her Muay Thai career.
She made her return to MMA in 2013, fighting at the South American MMA promotion Fusion FC where she improved her MMA record to 10-1.
Shevchenko's UFC Rise To Stardom
Valentina signed with the UFC and had her debut on short notice vs. Sarah Kaufman. Valentina won the fight via split decision.
And right out of the gate, Valentina was set to face the Lioness Amanda Nunes at UFC 196. Valentina brought a good fight to Amanda Nunes; however, it wasn't quite enough since Amanda won the fight via unanimous decision.
Valentina's third fight was set to be against former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm, whom she defeated via unanimous decision. For her fourth fight, Valentina faced off against current Bantamweight champion Juliana Pena who she won against via armbar.
Valentina was yet again set to face off against Amanda Nunes at UFC 213; however, Amanda fell ill, and the fight was postponed to UFC 215. After a very, very close fight, Amanda took the win that night via split decision. Many fans and MMA outlets disagreed with the decision and believed that Valentina had won the title.
In September 2017, Valentina decided to join the 125-pound flyweight division, where one year later, at UFC 231, she became champion by winning against Joanna Jędrzejczyk via unanimous decision.
Since then, Valentina has had seven successful title defenses making her one of the best, if not THE best female fighter on the UFC roster.
Fun Facts About Valentina
Valentina has multiple nicknames, two of my favorite being Valentina "Bullet" Shevchenko and, as Joe Rogan called her Valentina, "The Complete Human Being."
Valentina speaks English, Russian, and Spanish fluently.
Valentina has participated in a Peruvian dance reality show where she could show off her impressive dancing skills.
Valentina regularly competes in the IPSC, IDPA, and 3-Gun pistol shooting competitions.
Conclusion
