Valentina Anatolyevna Shevchenko Bio
Valentina Anatolyevna Shevchenko is a Kyrgyz and Peruvian professional mixed martial artist born on March 7, 1988, in Frunze, Kirghiz SSR, now Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters of all time. Shevchenko has held championship titles in multiple combat sports including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts.
Early Life and Background
Shevchenko was born into a Russian-Ukrainian family of military servicemen. Her mother, Elena Shevchenko, is a former multiple-time Muay Thai champion and president of Kyrgyzstan’s national Muay Thai association. Her father, Anatoly Shevchenko, served in the Soviet Navy and played for the Kyrgyzstan national football team. Valentina began training in Taekwondo at age five, influenced by her mother and older sister Antonina. She expanded into Muay Thai kickboxing and freestyle Vale Tudo by age 12, earning the nickname “Bullet” for her speed.
Shevchenko traveled to Peru in 2007 where she became a martial arts teacher and later gained Peruvian citizenship. She is fluent in Russian, English, Spanish, and also speaks Thai. She earned an undergraduate degree in Film Directing from the National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic and was awarded the title of Honored Professor in 2021.
Path to MMA
Shevchenko made her professional MMA debut at age 15 in 2003 in Kyrgyzstan, winning by TKO. She competed undefeated in regional promotions before taking a hiatus to focus on Muay Thai and kickboxing. Returning to MMA in 2010, she debuted in the US but suffered a controversial loss to Liz Carmouche. She rebounded with wins and continued to compete in South American promotions, improving her record to 10–1 by 2013. Her diverse combat background and multiple martial arts black belts laid a strong foundation for her MMA career.
Valentina Shevchenko Career
Early Career (2003–2013)
Shevchenko began her MMA career in regional Kyrgyz, Russian, and Korean promotions, where she remained undefeated in six fights with first-round finishes. After a break focusing on Muay Thai and kickboxing, she returned to MMA in 2010 in the US. Despite a controversial loss in her US debut, she secured decisive wins in subsequent fights, including a unanimous decision victory over Akjarkyn Baiturbaeva. By 2013, she had established herself with a professional record of 10–1.
UFC Breakthrough (2015–Present)
Shevchenko made her UFC debut in 2015 as a short-notice replacement, winning by split decision. She faced top contenders including Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm, earning notable victories and showcasing her striking and grappling skills. In 2018, she moved to the Flyweight division and won the vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship by defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk. She successfully defended her title multiple times against elite opponents such as Jessica Eye, Katlyn Chookagian, and Jéssica Andrade. In 2023, she lost her title to Alexa Grasso but regained it in a rematch in 2024, becoming the only two-time UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.
Tiger Muay Thai Era (Present)
Shevchenko currently trains with Tiger Muay Thai in Las Vegas. Her partnership with the team has supported her technical striking and grappling development. She continues to compete at the highest level, maintaining her status as a top-ranked pound-for-pound female fighter. Her recent victories demonstrate her resilience and adaptability in the sport.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Shevchenko is known for her precise counter-striking, exceptional distance management, and diverse counterattacks including spinning kicks and punches. She combines her Muay Thai striking with high-level grappling, holding black belts in Judo and Taekwondo. Her ability to adapt to different opponents and maintain control in fights is a hallmark of her style.
Notable Events and Milestones
Shevchenko is the first Kyrgyz fighter to win a UFC championship and has been a dominant force in the Flyweight division. She has earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses and has been recognized for her technical mastery and championship reigns. Her trilogy with Alexa Grasso and multiple title defenses are career-defining moments.
Valentina Shevchenko Career Wins
Valentina Shevchenko has compiled an impressive professional MMA record with 26 wins out of 31 fights, including victories by knockout, submission, and decision. Her championship reigns and title defenses highlight her success across multiple weight divisions.
UFC Highlights
Shevchenko has secured numerous wins in the UFC Flyweight division, capturing the title in 2018 and defending it six times before a brief loss in 2023. Her first UFC win was a split decision in 2015, and her most recent title-winning bout was a unanimous decision in 2024. She has earned accolades for her performances and remains a top contender.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to UFC, Shevchenko achieved success in regional MMA promotions and amassed over 90 wins in Muay Thai and kickboxing competitions. She holds multiple black belts and master titles in various martial arts disciplines, underscoring her versatility and skill.
Valentina Shevchenko Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Valentina comes from a family with a strong sporting and military background. Her mother is a former Muay Thai champion and sports official, and her father served in the Soviet Navy and played professional football. Her older sister Antonina is also a professional MMA fighter.
Personal Life
Shevchenko resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She holds dual Kyrgyz and Peruvian citizenship and is multilingual. She has not publicly disclosed marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Shevchenko continues to defend her UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship with successful title defenses, including unanimous decision victories over top contenders like Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili. Her experience and technical prowess keep her at the forefront of the division. She remains a central figure in the UFC’s female flyweight landscape with strong team support and strategic fight planning.