Valentina Shevchenko is widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in the history of women's mixed martial arts. Known for her precision, technique, and versatility, Shevchenko has held the UFC flyweight title twice, defending it seven times during her reign. After a fierce rivalry with Alexa Grasso, which included a split draw in their rematch, Shevchenko continues her journey to reclaim the belt. Her dedication and skill inside the Octagon have earned her a reputation as a formidable competitor, constantly pushing the limits of what is possible in the sport.

Early Life and Education

Valentina Shevchenko was born on March 7, 1988, in Frunze, which was part of the Kirghiz SSR in the Soviet Union (now Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan). She comes from a Russian-Ukrainian background. Her father, Anatoly Shevchenko, served in the Soviet Navy's Pacific Fleet and also played for the Kyrgyzstan national footballteam. Her mother, Elena Shevchenko, is a prominent figure in combat sports, being the president of Kyrgyzstan's Muay Thai association and a former Muay Thai champion.

Valentina was influenced by her family's deep connection to sports. At the age of five, she started training in Taekwondo under the guidance of her mother and older sister, Antonina, who is also a professional fighter. By the age of 12, Valentina had expanded her training to include Muay Thai kickboxing and Vale Tudo. Her early prowess in these disciplines earned her the nickname "Bullet" from her coach Pavel Fedotov, due to her incredible speed. Notably, at age 12, she knocked out an opponent 10 years older than her.

In 2007, Valentina moved to Peru along with her sister and coach to teach martial arts. She became a Peruvian citizen in 2008 and has since become fluent in Russian, English, and Spanish.

Career

Valentina Shevchenko's career in martial arts is marked by her dominance across multiple disciplines, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA). She started her professional journey as a Muay Thai fighter, earning eight gold medals in the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) World Championships between 2003 and 2014. She also competed in other major Muay Thai tournaments, defeating notable fighters like future UFC champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk multiple times. Valentina’s Muay Thai achievements established her as one of the best female fighters in the world.

In 2003, at the age of 15, Shevchenko made her debut in mixed martial arts (MMA), winning her first fight by TKO. Over the years, she developed a well-rounded skill set, combining her striking from Muay Thai with grappling techniques. After competing in regional promotions, she entered the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 2015, where she gained widespread recognition for her technical precision and adaptability in the octagon.

In 2018, Shevchenko won the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship by defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Since then, she has successfully defended her title multiple times, defeating top contenders like Jessica Eye, Lauren Murphy, and Jessica Andrade. Valentina is known for her sharp counter-striking, powerful kicks, and versatility, which have made her a dominant figure in the UFC.

Apart from fighting, Valentina is also recognized for her academic achievements, holding a degree in Film Directing and being awarded the title of Honored Professor by the National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic. Her legacy is not just limited to her fighting career; she has become an important ambassador for martial arts and women’s empowerment through sports.

Valentina Shevchenko Net Worth and Salary

As of 2024, Valentina Shevchenko's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her successful career in the UFC, where she earns a base salary of approximately $500,000 per fight. Additionally, she receives significant bonuses and sponsorship deals, which further contribute to her income.

For instance, in her fight at UFC 261, she earned over $1.1 million in total, including bonuses. Over the course of her UFC career, Shevchenko has made around $2.7 million just from fight earnings, not including other income streams such as endorsements. Her sponsorships include partnerships with brands like Smith & Wesson and Brownells, adding to her overall financial success​.