Valentina Shevchenko was born on July 3, 1988 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Growing up, she was introduced to martial arts at a young age by her mother and older sister, Antonina, who both practiced taekwondo. At the age of five, Shevchenko began learning taekwondo and showed natural talent and dedication to the sport. At the age of twelve, she branched out into kickboxing, further honing her skills and setting the foundation for her future career in combat sports.
Shevchenko made her professional MMA debut in 2003 and quickly started making a name for herself in the industry. Known for her versatile striking skills and strong grappling abilities, she proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the octagon. Over the years, she competed in various promotions and tournaments, garnering a reputation as a fierce and skilled fighter.
Aside from MMA, Shevchenko also excelled in Muay Thai, earning more than half a dozen I.F.M.A. Royal World Cup Tournament Championships in her career. Her prowess in the striking art further solidified her status as a well-rounded martial artist with an impressive skill set.
In 2015, Shevchenko made her highly anticipated debut in the UFC's women's bantamweight division. Her technical abilities and fierce determination made her a standout fighter in the promotion, and she quickly rose through the ranks, earning impressive victories over top contenders.
One of Shevchenko's most notable fights was against Amanda Nunes for the UFC Bantamweight title at UFC 213. Although Nunes was forced to pull out of the bout on the day of the fight due to illness, the matchup showcased Shevchenko's readiness to take on the best in the world and her determination to claim championship gold.
Aside from her thriving career in MMA, Shevchenko is known for her close-knit family ties and the support she receives from her mother and sister. Their shared passion for martial arts has bonded them together and fueled Shevchenko's drive to succeed in the sport.
Valentina Shevchenko's journey in MMA is a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and passion for the sport. With her sights set on becoming a UFC champion, she continues to train diligently, hone her skills, and prove herself as one of the best female fighters in the world.