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 March 7, 1988, is a Kyrgyz professional mixed martial artist, Muay Thai fighter, and kickboxer, holding championships in all three disciplines. She competes in the UFC's women's Flyweight division, where she is a two-time and current champion and the first Kyrgyz fighter to win a UFC title. Ranked #1 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings as of September 17, 2024, Shevchenko is considered one of the greatest female mixed martial artists in history.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2013: Appearance on Combate

In 2013, Shevchenko participated in the fourth season of the Peruvian dance and competition reality show Combate. She won the competition alongside her dance partner, Alejandro “Zumba” Benitez. She also won an exhibition wrestling match against David Zegarra by submission.

2014: Muaythai Spirit of Sport Award

In 2014, the "Sport is Your Gang" initiative that Shevchenko was an ambassador for in Peru, won the Muaythai Spirit of Sport Award.

February 27, 2015: Won Against Jan Finney at Legacy Fighting Championship 39

On February 27, 2015, Valentina Shevchenko faced Jan Finney at Legacy Fighting Championship 39 and won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–27).

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. She was also an ambassador for IFMA's "Sport is Your Gang" initiative in Peru.

July 23, 2016: Defeated Holly Holm at UFC on Fox

On July 23, 2016, Valentina Shevchenko faced Holly Holm at UFC on Fox: Holm vs. Shevchenko and won by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46).

January 28, 2017: Defeated Julianna Peña at UFC on Fox

On January 28, 2017, Valentina Shevchenko faced Julianna Peña at UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña and won the fight by armbar submission in the second round, also earning her first Performance of the Night bonus.

February 3, 2018: Defeated Priscila Cachoeira at UFC Fight Night 125

On February 3, 2018, Valentina Shevchenko faced Priscila Cachoeira at UFC Fight Night 125 and won the fight via rear-naked choke in the second round, also earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

December 8, 2018: Won the UFC Women's Flyweight Championship

On December 8, 2018, Valentina Shevchenko defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46) at UFC 231 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. Jeenbekov praised Shevchenko for defending the honour of Kyrgyzstan.

June 8, 2019: Defended UFC Flyweight Title Against Jessica Eye

On June 8, 2019, Valentina Shevchenko faced Jessica Eye at UFC 238 and successfully defended her UFC Flyweight Title via a head kick knockout in the second round. She also earned the Performance of the Night award.

August 10, 2019: Defended Title Against Liz Carmouche

On August 10, 2019, Valentina Shevchenko faced Liz Carmouche at UFC Fight Night 156. Shevchenko won the rematch via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 50–45).

February 8, 2020: Defended Flyweight Title Against Katlyn Chookagian

On February 8, 2020, Valentina Shevchenko defended her Flyweight title for the third time against Katlyn Chookagian at UFC 247. She won the fight via TKO in the third round.

November 21, 2020: Defended Title Against Jennifer Maia

On November 21, 2020, Valentina Shevchenko defended her title for the fourth time against Jennifer Maia at UFC 255. She won the fight via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, and 49–46).

April 24, 2021: Defended Title Against Jéssica Andrade

On April 24, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko faced Jéssica Andrade at UFC 261 and defended her title, winning via TKO in round two after dominating most of the bout.

September 25, 2021: Defended Title Against Lauren Murphy

On September 25, 2021, Valentina Shevchenko faced Lauren Murphy at UFC 266. She won the fight via technical knockout in round four, defending her title for the sixth time.

December 2021: Awarded Honored Professor

In December 2021, The National Academy of Arts of the Kyrgyz Republic awarded Valentina Shevchenko the title of an Honored Professor.

June 12, 2022: Won Against Taila Santos at UFC 275

On June 12, 2022, Valentina Shevchenko faced Taila Santos at UFC 275 and won the close bout via split decision (49–46, 48–47, and 47–48). This fight earned her the Crypto.com "Fan Bonus of the Night" awards paid in bitcoin of US$30,000 for first place.

September 14, 2024: Won against Alexa Grasso for 2-time UFC Women's Flyweight Champion

On September 14, 2024, Valentina Shevchenko faced Alexa Grasso for the third time at UFC 306. With nearly 15 minutes of control time, she won by dominant unanimous decision, becoming the only 2-time UFC Women's Flyweight Champion in the process.

September 17, 2024: Ranked #1 in UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings

As of September 17, 2024, Valentina Shevchenko is ranked #1 in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, cementing her status as one of the greatest female mixed martial artists of all time.