Valentina Shevchenko Dismisses Rematch Talk with Former Kickboxing Rival: “I’m Not Worried”

The Rise of Shevchenko in the UFC: Valentina Shevchenko's journey in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. With her recent unanimous decision victory over Alexa Grasso, she has proven once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the octagon. Her technical prowess, striking accuracy, and strategic acumen have set her apart in the flyweight division, making her a two-time champion and a role model for aspiring fighters. At 36, Shevchenko shows no signs of slowing down. The recent trilogy with Grasso, while repetitious, has only added to her legacy. Shevchenko’s ability to adapt and evolve as a fighter keeps her ahead of the curve, and with fresh talent emerging in the division, fans can expect exciting matchups in the future. Addressing the Past with Wang Cong: The conversation around Shevchenko's past loss to Wang Cong in kickboxing has resurfaced with Cong's recent entry into the UFC. The two faced off in 2015 during a Kunlun Fight event, where Cong emerged victorious. However, Shevchenko is not dwelling on this defeat. In a candid interview on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show," she expressed her thoughts on the judging system she encountered in China. People don't know what they're talking about, Shevchenko remarked, highlighting the discrepancies in judging that were prevalent at the time. She emphasized that the conditions and rules in Chinese kickboxing were vastly different from those in the UFC, making it unfair to draw conclusions based on that fight alone.

"I fought in the [Kunlun Fight] organization and it was kind of like the worst. If you are speaking with the fighters who fought in China at that time, they said, 'Oh my God.' It's kind of like, if you don't [get a] knockout, like knockout where your opponent is down for 30 minutes, they will make your opponent stand up and shake the towel [in their face] and say, 'OK, continue. Go fight.' They will make their fighter win the fight. This is the judging system back there." Fresh Challenges Ahead: As Shevchenko looks to the future, she faces a deep talent pool in the women’s flyweight division. While her past with Cong is a talking point, it’s clear that her focus remains on new challengers who are eager to test their skills against her. Fighters like Erin Blanchfield and others are on the rise, and Shevchenko's experience and skill set will be essential in navigating these potential matchups.