Valentina Shevchenko Says She Eventually Wants to Go Back Up to Bantamweight

MMAjunkie recently spoke to Valentina Shevchenko in Austin, Texas during fight week for UFC Fight Night 126. Shevchenko recently picked up a win in her UFC women’s flyweight debut at UFC Fight Night 125. The win likely puts Shevchenko next in line for a title shot for the division. Below are some highlights.

Shevchenko on how she felt fighting at 135 pounds: “In 135 fights, I was feeling (as strong), everything good. But the difference is the size of opponents. At 125, it’s the same size like me. I know it’s the same power. Maybe a little bit taller, but in general, same, same. But 135, it’s every time, you have to see the difference. Because the opponents are heavier – a little bit taller, have longer arms – every time, it’s about tactics. You can’t apply all the techniques that you wish. At 125, I feel (as strong as) 135, but I can apply everything that I know from martial arts, without having too much risk.”

Valentina Shevchenko on the controversy on her fight with Priscila Cachoeira: “My opponent, she was strong, but I gave everything from me. She was 8-0, so it says a lot. She had more victories by KO, TKO, so it says a lot, too. I was not expecting an easy match. That’s why my coach, he was preparing me with the same strength, the same power he was preparing me for each of my fights. That’s why I knew that harder training, it will be an easy fight. I gave everything from me. I left everything, all my power inside the octagon, and I took what I wanted to take.”

Valentina Shevchenko on how the fans believe in her: “I really appreciate that people speak like this. It means a lot to me. They believe in me, they follow me, and they support me. And I appreciate it, a lot. But the belt, when I will have the belt, now I can say yes. But we still have to plan the fight. I still have to prepare for the fight. For me, it’s like this: I see my goal in front of me, and I go for it. I never start feeling relaxed before I get it. No. That’s why, for me, I really appreciate all words. But I will continue all training, all strong preparation before I get what I want.”

Valentina Shevchenko on how she believes she didn’t lose the fight with Nunes: “I know the last time with Amanda, I know exactly I didn’t lose this fight. Everybody knows this. My plan is to have a few fights at 125 for now, and then go back and have my revenge – and have my revenge with Amanda.”