Kyrgyzstani-Peruvian mixed martial artist and former UFC Women's Flyweight Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest female fighters ever.
Valentina Shevchenko was born in Bishkek, Kyrgyz SSR (now Kyrgyzstan) in 1988. She is of Russian ethnicity. She became one of the most technically proficient fighters in MMA history — her striking, kickboxing, judo and wrestling are all at elite level. She won the UFC women's flyweight championship in 2018 and defended it seven consecutive times. She lost the title to Alexa Grasso in March 2023 by submission — shocking the MMA world. She fought Grasso to a majority draw in her rematch. She trained in Kyrgyzstan and Thailand before moving to the United States. Her sister Antonina also fights in the UFC. Shevchenko remained the UFC's longest-reigning current champion into 2026, having regained the flyweight title in September 2024 and turned back the challenge of Zhang Weili in a 2025 defence that underlined the gap between her and the division.
Defending the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship seven consecutive times with dominant performances.
How They Played
Shevchenko is renowned for her exceptional striking technique rooted in her Muay Thai background, featuring precise kicks, punches, and clinch work. She combines technical striking with strong takedown defense and solid grappling skills, making her a complete mixed martial artist. Her tactical approach and ability to control distance and pace have made her extremely difficult to defeat.
Lasting Impact
Shevchenko's seven consecutive title defenses and technical dominance helped establish the credibility and popularity of the UFC's women's flyweight division.
Career Honours
- UFC Women's Flyweight Champion 2018-2023
- UFC title defences 7x
- World Kickboxing Champion multiple