Valentina Shevchenko's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Valentina Shevchenko. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Valentina Shevchenko, born in 1988, is a Kyrgyz and Peruvian professional mixed martial artist, former Muay Thai fighter, and kickboxer. She competes in the UFC's women's Flyweight division, where she is a two-time and current champion. She is the first Kyrgyz and Peruvian fighter to win a UFC championship. As of September 2024, she holds the #1 spot in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings.
2013: Combate Reality Show Winner
In 2013, Shevchenko participated in the fourth season of the Peruvian dance competition reality show Combate. She won the competition with her partner Alejandro “Zumba” Benitez and also won an exhibition wrestling match against David Zegarra.
2014: Muaythai Spirit of Sport Award
In 2014, the "Sport is Your Gang" initiative, for which Shevchenko served as an ambassador, won the Muaythai Spirit of Sport Award.
February 27, 2015: Victory at Legacy FC 39
On February 27, 2015, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Jan Finney at Legacy Fighting Championship 39 via unanimous decision.
2015: Elected into IFMA Executive Board
In 2015, Shevchenko was elected into the IFMA executive board as a representative of the organization's athletic commission.
July 23, 2016: Victory over Holly Holm at UFC on Fox
On July 23, 2016, Valentina Shevchenko defeated former UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion Holly Holm at UFC on Fox by unanimous decision.
January 28, 2017: Win against Julianna Peña at UFC on Fox
On January 28, 2017, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Julianna Peña at UFC on Fox by armbar submission, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.
February 3, 2018: Victory over Priscila Cachoeira
On February 3, 2018, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Priscila Cachoeira at UFC Fight Night 125 via rear-naked choke, earning a Performance of the Night bonus after an extremely dominant performance.
December 8, 2018: UFC Women's Flyweight Champion
On December 8, 2018, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 231 by unanimous decision to become the new UFC Women's Flyweight Champion.
April 2019: Awarded the Dank Order
In April 2019, Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov awarded Valentina Shevchenko with the Dank Order during her first visit to Kyrgyzstan in seven years, praising her role in defending the honor of Kyrgyzstan.
June 8, 2019: First Flyweight Title Defense
On June 8, 2019, Valentina Shevchenko defended her UFC flyweight title against Jessica Eye at UFC 238, winning via a head kick knockout in the second round and earning a Performance of the Night award.
August 10, 2019: Victory over Liz Carmouche at UFC Fight Night 156
On August 10, 2019, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Liz Carmouche at UFC Fight Night 156 via unanimous decision, avenging a previous loss from 2010.
February 8, 2020: Third Flyweight Title Defense
On February 8, 2020, Valentina Shevchenko defended her Flyweight title for the third time against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247, winning via TKO in the third round.
November 21, 2020: Fourth Flyweight Title Defense
On November 21, 2020, Valentina Shevchenko defended her title for the fourth time against Jennifer Maia at UFC 255, winning via unanimous decision.
April 24, 2021: Fifth Title Defense
On April 24, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko defended her title for the fifth time against Jéssica Andrade at UFC 261, winning via TKO in round two after dominating the fight.
September 25, 2021: Sixth Title Defense
On September 25, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko defended her title for the sixth time against Lauren Murphy at UFC 266, winning via technical knockout in round four.
December 2021: Women's Health Magazine Cover
In December 2021, Shevchenko and Halle Berry were featured on the digital cover of Women's Health magazine.
December 2021: Honored Professor Title
In December 2021, the National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic awarded Valentina Shevchenko the title of an Honored Professor.
June 12, 2022: Victory over Taila Santos at UFC 275
On June 12, 2022, Valentina Shevchenko won a close bout against Taila Santos at UFC 275 via split decision, also earning the Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" award.
September 14, 2024: 2-Time UFC Women's Flyweight Champion
On September 14, 2024, Valentina Shevchenko faced Alexa Grasso for the third time at UFC 306, winning by dominant unanimous decision and becoming the only 2-time UFC Women's Flyweight Champion.
