It is called “Gold of Kyrgyzstan”. Valentina Anatolyevna Shevchenko (Bullet) is a world-famous athlete, mixed style fighter, competing in the UFC in the bantamweight and flyweight categories. “The Bullet,” she calls herself.
On Instagram (the social networks Facebook and Instagram are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation), 2.6 million followers subscribe to the profile of Valentina Shevchenko (bulletvalentina). Among her fans are: American media mogul Mark Zuckerberg, legendary actor and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, ultimate fighter from Poland Joanna Jedrzejczyk and hundreds of thousands of other people from different parts of the world.
35-year-old Valentina ranks 3rd in the official UFC ranking among the best fighters, regardless of the women's weight category. She holds the record for the most UFC title defenses by a woman – seven times and is the sister of another slightly less famous, but bright and tireless athlete, Antonina “Panther” Shevchenko.
It is noteworthy that the girls’ mother, Elena Arkadyevna, is an honored trainer of Kyrgyzstan in Thai boxing, the head of the Thai Boxing Federation of Kyrgyzstan and a holder of a black belt in taekwondo. Antonina and Valentina's dad served in the navy.
Valentina Shevchenko is called the “Gold of Kyrgyzstan”. She is an honorary citizen of her country and is always a welcome guest at the residence of President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov.
Valentina Shevchenko: biography and career
Valentina Anatolyevna Shevchenko was born on March 7, 1988 in the city of Frunze (now Bishkek), Kirghiz SSR, and received a higher education at the Beishenalieva Institute of Arts, majoring in directing. He has citizenship of Russia, Peru and Kyrgyzstan, but competes under the flag of the latter. Before a fight she often dances lezginka – this is her “signature style”.
The beginning of the way
Valentina started training at the age of 5. The girl did not know fatigue or fear and easily fought with opponents twice her height and weight. From an early age, Shevchenko trained regularly and persistently, was not afraid of anything or anyone, and her endurance amazed even experienced athletes.
Valentina began to practice taekwondo following her mother and older sister Antonina, whom she eventually surpassed. The girl’s first and only coach is Pavel Fedotov, who has a rich biography, many achievements and higher education in the field of physical culture and sports. Fedotov is one of the most respected experts in his field and Shevchenko's mentor throughout her career to this day. Valentina, her mother and sister spend a lot of time in Pavel's company. They have common interests and friends, and often travel in each other's company.
Valentina and Antonina Shevchenko are the first sister fighters in UFC history!
Pavel Fedotov once said that he immediately saw in Valentina the potential to become a champion. The coach was not attracted by Shevchenko’s technique, but by her endurance.
“Valentina was a brave girl. She went into battle without fear against girls and boys who were much heavier and more experienced than her. Sometimes someone would knock her down. But then she got up and continued the fight. Sometimes she even cried, but she still continued to fight with the same intensity. It wasn't safe for her, and I tried not to pair her with the big guys because when she hit them right, they would get angry and could really hurt her. She simply didn’t know at that time how to fight at half strength,” Fedotov shared with reporters.
“Paul never stopped guiding me. He's been in martial arts all his life. He spent all his time thinking about different techniques and tactics for the upcoming battle. He always looks forward. That's why we train so much, and together with my sister we have become one big team. But all this applies not only to MMA. We spend a lot of time together, travel. So yes, it’s like we’re a family,” Valentina said in turn about Pavel.
Shevchenko had her first professional fight at the age of 12, when her opponent was 17, in mixed martial arts – at 14 years old. At 15, she was already fighting with a 25-year-old athlete. For a long time, Valentina’s age was inflated so as not to shock the audience.
Valentina began her career in kickboxing and Muay Thai at the age of 13 and a year later became the champion of Kyrgyzstan. At 15, she took first place at the Asian Kickboxing Cup, and then won bronze at the WAKO tournament and became the absolute champion in KF-1 Pro. In addition, she won the IFMA World Muay Thai Championship.
In 2004, Shevchenko became the WAKO champion. Then, having moved to Russia, she won the IFMA world title in Muay Thai eight times and received many awards in kickboxing, including championship titles in the professional organization Kunlun Fight. Valentina made her UFC debut in December 2015.
Sports achivments
The fighting fire in Shevchenko’s heart helped her get into the world top of mixed martial arts. She has been competing in MMA since 2003 (27 fights, 23 of them victories). In addition, Valentina is a master of sports in judo, and has competed in Wushu Sanda, Shotokan Karate and Savate.
Valentina Shevchenko today is an 11-time world champion in Muay Thai, 3-time world champion in kickboxing, 2-time world champion. She is also the champion of South America and Pan-American champion in Muay Thai, Master of Sports of international class in taekwondo, Master of Sports of Russia of international class in Muay Thai, Master of Sports of Russia in boxing, Master of Sports of Russia in kickboxing, Master of Sports of Kyrgyzstan in judo.
Valentina Shevchenko holds the title “Best Female Thaiboxer in the World.”
It is noteworthy that Valentina never trains in one place for a long time. Her permanent mentor forces his fighters to train in different gyms with different sparring partners. Fedotov's wards gain experience by traveling around the world. So, Valentina has recently visited Thailand, the USA and Japan.
“Each gym is like a new world, a different atmosphere, different technique, more sparring partners, more experience. When a fighter is just starting his journey, it is better for him to work in one gym and listen to only one coach. But having reached a certain level, you need to travel and try new places and new fighters to hone your skills,” Fedotov comments on the chosen tactics.
Valentina Shevchenko: personal life and family
The personal life of Valentina Shevchenko is not publicly discussed. Her sister Antonina has repeatedly stated that many young people would like to propose to Valya, but the athlete is in no hurry to tie the knot. The champion lives an interesting and eventful life, which has everything: popular love and world fame, exciting fights, travel and support from loved ones. Valentina loves her family and is very attached to her mother, sister and coach.
Many fans are interested in the possibility of one day seeing the fight between sisters: Valentina and Antonina.
Both girls have been answering this question in the negative for many years. “Bullet” and “Panther” never they won't fight each other.
Valentina Shevchenko: weight, height
Valentina Shevchenko weighs 57 kg with a height of 165 cm. This is the flyweight. In the bantamweight category, the athlete weighs 61 kg.
The famous athlete's hobbies include photography and dancing, shooting with a pistol and other weapons.
Valentina Shevchenko, photo
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