Valentina Shevchenko currently holds the title of the current UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion. The Peruvian-Kyrgistani athlete, born on March 7th, 1988, is a former Muay Thai fighter who made her MMA debut in 2015.
Lightning-fast Shevchenko earned the nickname “Bullet” from her kickboxing trainer after knocking out a 22-year-old opponent at the tender age of 12. Here is everything there is to know about her career, as well as some interesting tidbits on her personal life.
- Height: 5 feet, 5 inches
- Weight: 125 pounds
- Stance: Southpaw
- Reach: 66 inches
- Takedown average: 2.21
- Strike accuracy: 50 percent
Valentina Shevchenko’s MMA Career
Let’s delve into Valentina Shevchenko’s illustrious fighting career, from her epic wins to the few losses she’s taken so far. Here are her fights from most to least recent:
- Schevchenko vs. Jennifer Maria – Win
- Schevchenko vs. Katlyn Chookagian – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Liz Carmouche – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Priscila Cachoeira – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes – Loss
- Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Holly Holm – Win
- Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes – Loss
- Shevchenko vs. Sarah Kaufman – Win
Schevchenko vs. Jennifer Maria – Win
Event: UFC 255: Figueiredo vs. Perez, November 21st, 2020
Although Jennifer Maria managed to beat the Bullet in a single round, she still lost to the champ by a blowout win of 49-46. Shevchenko averaged a whopping 62 strikes against Maria’s 36.
Schevchenko vs. Katlyn Chookagian – Win
Event: UFC 247: Jones vs. Reyes, February 8th, 2020
By the second round, Chookagian was bleeding copiously from a direct shot from the Bullet’s elbow. Shevchenko secured her victory in the next round with a crucifix hold Chookagian couldn’t escape.
Shevchenko vs. Liz Carmouche – Win
Event: UFC Fight Night: Shevchenko vs. Carmouche 2, August 10th, 2019
Carmouche put up a shockingly calm defense against the Bullet’s relentless strikes, but Shevchenko eventually overcame with a barrage of punches and kicks.
Shevchenko vs. Jessica Eye – Win
Event: UFC 238: Cejudo vs. Moraes, June 8th, 2019
Valentina Shevchenko’s brutal KO of Jessica Eye is worth watching: a ferociously powerful kick to Eye’s head sent her straight to the mat. This fight only lasted two rounds.
Shevchenko vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk – Win
Event: UFC 231: Holloway vs. Ortega, December 8th, 2018
Jędrzejczyk prepared to battle the Bullet with a mere six weeks of training behind her. Although she put up a good fight, Shevchenko’s strength and experience won over.
Shevchenko vs. Priscila Cachoeira – Win
Event: UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Anders, February 3rd, 2018
Cachoeira ended up thoroughly dominated by the savagely skilled Shevchenko in round 2 with a rear-naked chokehold. The Bullet tallied up 95 strikes to Cachoeira’s two.
Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes – Loss
Event: UFC 215: Nunes vs. Shevchenko 2, September 9th, 2017
Shevchenko failed to avenge her loss to Nunes in this fight, although it was a close call. Both fighters engaged somewhat hesitantly, although judges ruled that Nunes had more strikes.
Shevchenko vs. Julianna Pena – Win
Event: UFC on FOX: Shevchenko vs. Pena, January 28th, 2017
Although Shevchenko suffered a takedown, she still came out on top. The Bullet deflected Pena’s fury of strikes long enough to lock her in a blazing fast armbar, forcing Pena to tap out.
Shevchenko vs. Holly Holm – Win
Event: UFC on FOX: Holm vs. Shevchenko, June 23rd, 2016
The Bullet established her reputation as an up-and-comer by beating former champion, Holly Holm. She kept up efficient, steady counters, which led to the judges ruling in her favor.
Shevchenko vs. Amanda Nunes – Loss
Event: UFC 196: McGregor vs. Diaz, March 5th, 2016
The Bullet managed to take down Nunes a single time before the more experienced fighter triumphed. Nunes racked up 39 strikes and two takedowns and was declared the unanimous winner.
Shevchenko vs. Sarah Kaufman – Win
Event: UFC on FOX: Dos Anjos vs. Cowboy 2, December 19th, 2015
The Bullet entered the Octagon for the first time with a vengeance, taking down Kaufman four times and debuting her impressive skills as a fighter. Her first fight earned her the reputation of a promising contender in her division.
Valentina Shevchenko Personal Life
The Bullet boasts sizable earnings thus far: from UFC fights alone; she’s made over $1.6 million. She’s also worked with Reebok to create a collection of exclusive merchandise available for sale on the official UFC website.
Aside from taking down an opponent ten years older than her as a teen, Shevchenko’s personal life as an adult is equally fascinating. She’s an avid gun enthusiast who enjoys shooting in her spare time, as well as collecting antique firearms. Other favorite pastimes include dance and guitar—you can check out videos and photos on her Instagram.
The reigning Women’s Flyweight Champion is single with no kids and no public love interests that I could find mention of.
Final Thoughts on “The Bullet”
Valentina Shevchenko is a fighter worth following: her consistent wins and focused tactics in the ring are a marvel to watch. Personally I would love to see her in the boxing ring too. She’s an excellent striker and a beauty as well – she would certainly rank as one of the hottest female boxers in my eyes!
The Bullet strikes an even balance between defensive tactics and opportunistic strikes, making her a near-untouchable rival for any fighter who faces her.
I personally can’t wait for her to get in the ring again vs her kryptonite, Amanda Nunes. They are both such exciting fighters to watch, and you know there will be fireworks when they touch gloves again.