MONTREAL – In the world of mixed martial arts, the name Valentina Shevchenko resonates powerfully. Fresh from her victorious title defense at UFC 315, Valentina finds herself at a crossroads, teetering between the prospect of an electrifying champion vs. champion clash against Zhang Weili.
Shevchenko (25-4-1 MMA, 14-3-1 UFC) delivered a masterclass performance against Manon Fiorot, yet her thoughts drift towards the road ahead. The possibility of facing Weili, the reigning UFC women’s strawweight champion, stirs excitement, but Shevchenko insists she won’t rush into any decisions. She’s considering her next moves carefully, weighing her options as she marshals her thoughts.
“It’s understandable to feel the adrenaline surging right after a victory, especially when you have the belt in your hands,” Shevchenko expressed during the post-fight press conference. “However, I prefer to reflect on these questions once I’ve had a day or two to rest. Timing is crucial; it’s about ensuring I recover properly before diving into the next training camp fully prepared.”
Her title defense at the iconic Bell Centre in Montreal marked not only her first successful defense of her second reign but also her tenth championship victory in the UFC—a poignant milestone in her storied career.
Shevchenko shared that conversations surrounding fighters like Natalia Silva, who earned a significant victory over former champion Alexa Grasso on the same night, have been rampant. This potential matchup intrigues her too, and she’s eager for fan feedback on who they’d like to see her face next.
“Leading up to the press conference, fans were buzzing about Weili or Natalia for the top contender spot,” Shevchenko noted. “Perhaps the fans could weigh in, even by joining my OnlyFans page to express their preferences. We can review the feedback and find out who really resonates with them.”
Esteemed as the greatest UFC women’s flyweight champion to date, Shevchenko is undeniably a titan in the realm of women’s MMA. At 37 and with a wealth of experience from 30 professional bouts, retirement isn’t on her agenda. Instead, she energetically stamps her commitment to the sport and her future.
“I’m here for the long haul,” Shevchenko affirmed with conviction. “I’m just getting started.”
