Valentina Shevchenko is currently the best pound-for-pound female MMA Fighter and Female Flyweight after Zhang Wieli and Alexa Grasso, respectively.

From Bishkek’s streets to the UFC octagon’s bright lights, Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko’s journey is a tale of raw determination and martial arts mastery.

Born on March 7, 1988, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Shevchenko’s initiation into combat sports began at age five under the watchful eye of her mother, Elena Shevchenko, a Muay Thai legend.

Valentina Shevchenko Early Childhood

Shevchenko’s striking prowess flourished under her mother’s rigorous tutelage, winning multiple Muay Thai championships, including the IFMA World Muay Thai Championships in 2009 and 2010. 

The image of a young Valentina, tirelessly training in Muay Thai in her mother’s backyard, captures the essence of her early years and the foundation of her combat skills.

The Bullet MMA Journey

In 2013, Shevchenko entered the MMA arena, quickly establishing herself with a triumphant professional debut. Her seamless transition showcased her striking finesse and a newfound grappling dimension. 

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) took notice, and in 2015, Shevchenko made her UFC debut, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in her wake.

The defining moment came on December 8, 2017, when Shevchenko faced Joanna Jędrzejczyk in a five-round spectacle, clinching the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship. 

This victory began a reign of masterful title defenses against Jessica Eye, Katlyn Chookagian, and a historic rematch with Amanda Nunes.

UFC Career Highlights 

Valentina Shevchenko boasts an impressive mixed martial arts record of 23-4-1, with a well-rounded display of skills reflected in her eight knockout victories, seven submission wins, and seven decisions. 

As the reigning UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion, her journey from a debut fight at 15 to dominating the UFC stage is marked by notable achievements.

Her early career showcased victories with methods ranging from TKO to submissions like armbars. She made her UFC debut on December 19, 2015, at UFC 196, securing a unanimous decision win. 

From there, a series of triumphs followed, including a head kick and punches TKO at UFC 231 and a retirement-induced TKO at UFC 238.

A pivotal moment in Valentina’s career came on December 8, 2017, when she claimed the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship unanimously at UFC 231 on Fox 25. 

Her most recent victory, a TKO via punches at UFC 275 on June 11, 2022, solidifies her status as a dominant force in the UFC’s Flyweight division. 

Valentina Shevchenko has an impressive record of 23-4-1.

Fighting style

Her fighting style, a mesmerizing blend of Muay Thai precision and calculated counter-striking, showcased her technical brilliance and adaptability. 

Each defense of her title was a testament to her relentless pursuit of perfection and ability to conquer diverse fighting styles.

Life outside the Cage

Valentina Shevchenko’s multifaceted persona extends beyond the octagon. Fluent in Kyrgyz, Russian, Spanish, and English. 

Her net worth is estimated at around 5 million USD as of September 2023. This reflects her athletic success and lucrative endorsement deals with companies like GuardLab, Brownells, Dapper Scrappers, LUCHO Shoes, Girls with Guns Clothing, VEOSPORT, and Smith & Wesson Corp.

Unsurprisingly, The Bullet is a gun enthusiast, as evidenced by her nickname, and deals with Brownells and Smith & Wesson Corp. She indulges this passion in pistol shooting competitions. 

The Bullet with a gun

Her diverse interests include collecting antique firearms, dancing, and playing guitar. Despite her high-profile career, Shevchenko maintains a private personal life and is currently not in any relationships. 

She also holds an undergraduate degree in film directing and the title of Honored Professor from the National Academy of Arts. 

She featured in EA Sports UFC games and showcased her acting prowess in Netflix’s “Bruised” alongside Halle Berry.

The greatest fights in UFC history are full of memorable moments, outstanding performances, and a display of resilience and grit.

The UFC has seen its fair share of such unforgettable moments, with these fights standing out as some of the best in the promotion’s history. 

From epic comebacks to technical masterclasses, here’s a look at some of the greatest fights ever.

• UFC Greatest Fights : UFC 62

Most people believe this bout put the UFC on the mainstream map. To put it more eloquently, the first encounter between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar was nothing short of a war. 

Both fighters left everything inside the Octagon in a display of heart, determination, and skill. The back-and-forth battle showcased the raw essence of MMA, with Griffin securing a close unanimous decision victory. 

This fight is often credited with saving the UFC from potential collapse and is a cornerstone in the promotion’s history. According to Dana White, UFC 62 is responsible for the explosive popularity of the giant MMA promotion. 

Even after almost three decades later, it remains one of the greatest fights in UFC history.

• Lawler vs. MacDonald II (UFC 189, 2015)

Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald engaged in a five-round, exciting, memorable fight. The fight displayed incredible heart and resilience from both fighters, with each round escalating the intensity. 

The tempo of the cage reached its climax in the fourth round when Lawler landed a series of crushing punches, which unfortunately smashed MacDonald’s nose. 

The clash was a perfect blend of technical prowess and sheer grit, earning it a place among the greatest fights in UFC history.

• UFC 117: Silva vs. Sonnen I

The clash between Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen was a classic example of the striker vs. grappler dynamic. Anderson Silva is a Striker with unmatched skills, while Sonnen is one of the best grapplers in the division at the time.

Sonnen dominated the fight with his wrestling, controlling Silva for most of the bout. However, in the closing moments of the fifth round, Silva secured a triangle armbar, forcing Sonnen to tap out. 

Silva’s triumph and Sonnen’s performance put UFC 117 on the map of the greatest fights ever.

• UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard III

Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard‘s third meeting is one of the greatest fights in the promotion’s history. The trilogy reached its climax in UFC 136— a bout that had fans on the edge of their seats. Maynard, known for his powerful striking, had previously handed Edgar his only career loss. 

However, during the third encounter, both fighters showcased incredible courage and durability, with Edgar overcoming early adversity to secure a fourth-round knockout. 

• UFC 139: Henderson vs. Shogun

Dan Henderson and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua delivered an instant classic in a five-round war that amazed everyone. The fight featured moments of action, with a fair share of moments of dominance.

However, Henderson ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory in one of the greatest fights in history. 

However, both men earned the respect and admiration of fans, enthusiasts, and pundits for their incredible display of skill and determination.

• UFC 248:  Joanna vs. Zhang Weili

The Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk fight at UFC 248 was a highly intense and competitive battle for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship. 

The fight featured many significant strikes, with both Zhang and Jędrzejczyk delivering and taking powerful blows. The bout went the full five rounds.

 Zhang Weili emerged victorious, retaining her title via a closely contested split decision.

Joanna sustained a giant hematoma on her head due to the impact of the punches. The fight is regarded as one of the greatest in UFC history.

• UFC 236: Adesanya vs. Gastelum

Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum engaged in a tough battle for the interim middleweight title. The fight featured high-level striking exchanges, with both fighters displaying incredible skill and resilience.

Israel Adesanya in one of the greatest fight in UFC history.

Gastelum’s powerful shots surprised Adesanya, but the TUF winner fought back. The bloodied Adesanya is ready for anything as he declared, “I’m prepared to die” before the final round. 

Adesanya eventually secured the victory via unanimous decision. The win solidifies his status as one of the sport’s rising stars, and UFC 236 is one of the greatest fights in UFC history.

Upsets are caused when the order of events does not go as expected. Upsets occur in all sports,  including MMA. The UFC has witnessed a fair share of it.

Whether a win is by TKO, submission, or judges’ decision, it upsets the balance of rankings and reshapes the division when the underdog wins.

Today, we look at bouts that didn’t go as most people expected because the underdog took the reins.

6 Biggest Upsets in UFC History

1. Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm, UFC 193 

UFC 193 was one of the biggest upsets in UFC history. In November 2015, Ronda Rousey faced Holly Holm, and the unexpected unfolded.

Rousey, an undefeated champion with a reputation for quick and dominant victories, faced Holm, a skilled striker. During the first round, Holm was unbelievably defensive. 

Holm landed a perfectly executed head kick in the second round to knock out her opponent. Her victory marked the end of Rousey’s victorious streak and her reign as the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion.

2. Anderson Silva vs. Chris Weidman at UFC 162

At UFC 162, the long-reigning middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, faced Chris Weidman.

Silva had successfully defended his title multiple times. However, in a stunning turn of events, Weidman, a skilled wrestler and underdog, executed a precise left hook that knocked Silva out in the second round. 

Weidman’s victory ended Silva’s nearly seven-year undefeated streak in the UFC and marked one of the biggest upsets in MMA history.

3. Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña, UFC 269

At UFC 269, Julianna Pena secured one of MMA’s biggest upsets, claiming the UFC bantamweight title with a second-round submission win over dominant champion Amanda Nunes. 

Despite a challenging first round, Pena rallied in the second, unleashing effective combinations that rocked Nunes. The climax came in round two, as Pena applied a rear-naked choke, forcing Amanda Nunes to tap out. 

The fight marked the end of Nunes’ five-year reign and handed her the first defeat since September 2014.

4. Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, UFC 196 

UFC 196 ushered in the fight between Conor MacGregor and Nate Diaz. On short notice, Conor, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, moved to welterweight to face Nate Diaz. 

Nate defeated Mcgregor in one of the biggest upset in UFC history

McGregor, known for his striking prowess, faced Diaz, a skilled and enduring fighter. Despite a strong start, McGregor became fatigued, and Diaz capitalized on that.

Diaz submitted McGregor via rear-naked choke in the second round. The defeat marked McGregor’s first UFC.

5. Jędrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas UFC 217 

Joanna Jędrzejczyk, a dominant and undefeated strawweight champion, faced Rose Namajunas in a title defense at UFC 217.

Jędrzejczyk was known for her striking prowess and confident demeanor, but Namajunas considered the underdog, stunned the MMA world. 

In the first round, Namajunas landed a powerful left hook that knocked Jędrzejczyk down, eventually securing a TKO victory. The victory earned her the strawweight title.

 Jędrzejczyk was one of the best pound-for-pound fighters, which made her defeat to Namajunas a shock and one of the biggest upsets in the division.

6. Strickland vs Adesanya at UFC 293

Sean Strickland is the fifth-ranked middleweight with a 2-2 record in his last four bouts. He surprisingly earned a title shot against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293.

Many people doubt Strickland’s striking power and grappling abilities; to our surprise, Sean Strickland executed a flawless game plan. He won by decision.

In one of the biggest upsets in UFC, Strickland secured victory at UFC 293 by winning every round except the second. Strickland claimed a unanimous decision (49-46), ending Adesanya’s dominance. 

Conclusion

Like Holm, every other victory described above was a big upset in the UFC. Each upset highlights the unpredictability of the sport and the importance of diverse skill sets in high-stakes competition.

Upsets accentuate the unpredictability of the sport and forever change the history of the combat sport.

On November 12, 2023, the California State Athletic Commission announced that Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov had failed a drug test.

As a result, he was removed from the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix and suspended for six months by the California State Athletic Commission. He is also to pay a $50,000 fine and a no-contest ruling on his victory at Bellator 300. 

Nurmagomedov, facing fines, suspension, and Grand Prix removal, also agreed to a 12-month Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) testing program.

He must undergo at least three full WADA drug screenings, with a risk of a four-year suspension for another positive test.

Khabib’s cousin failed the drug test after his victory over Brent Primus at Bellator 300 last month. The specific substance that he tested positive for has not been released.

However, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz said that it was a prescription medication that Usman Nurmagomedov was unaware contained a prohibited substance.

The news of Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test is a significant blow to the fighter and Bellator.

Nurmagomedov is the favorite to win the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix. His suspension leaves a hole in the tournament, as he was scheduled to face Patricky Pitbull in the final.

Usman Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov’s failure is also a clarion call to the importance of drug testing in combat sports. Drug testing is essential to ensure that fighters are playing on a level field and to promote the sport’s integrity.

What Usman Nurmagomedov has to say

Usman Nurmagomedov released a statement about the recent developments;

The results of my test revealed a prohibited substance that entered my body through medications prescribed to me by a doctor,” Nurmagomedov’s statement read. “A few months before my fight, I was undergoing treatment, but unfortunately, I did not notify the athletic commission in advance.

“I would like to note that the California State Athletic Commission conducted its full investigation, where I provided all the necessary documents, doctor notes, and medical certificates, thanks to which the period of my disqualification was reduced to 6 months instead of longer suspensions accepted in such cases” (h/t MMA News).

What to expect at Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix

Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal from the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix creates a void in the tournament. Initially set to face Patricky Pitbull in the final, the bout is yet to be determined. 

Patricky Pitbull vs. Alexandr Shabliy is scheduled for Bellator 301, with the winner likely challenging Primus in the $1 million final. It remain unclear if the final will be contested for an interim title or if Nurmagomedov will be stripped. 

The 25-year-old Dagestani talent, cousin to Khabib, holds a 6-0 Bellator record, leaving the tournament’s replacement participant undetermined. The situation adds an element of suspense and uncertainty to the upcoming Bellator 301 event.

What’s next for Nurmagomedov?

After his suspension is lifted, Nurmagomedov must rebuild his reputation and momentum. He will have to start fighting a few lower-level opponents to prove he is still a top contender.

Nurmagomedov can ask for a rematch with Patricky Pitbull to make up for the fight they missed in the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix final.

This would be a big fight for both fighters and a chance for Nurmagomedov to prove that he is the best lightweight in Bellator.

Conclusion

Usman Nurmagomedov’s failed drug test is a significant blow to the fighter, his family, Bellator, and the sport of MMA. 

It will be interesting to see how Nurmagomedov rebounds from this setback. He is a young and talented fighter, with the potential to be one of the best in the world.

Although, he must work hard to regain the public’s trust and prove he is a clean fighter.

Restoring Order in the Lightweight Division

UFC 295 will restore the long-lost order in the lightweight division. The bouts will occur on Sunday, Nov 12, at Madison Square Garden, New York, United States.

The bout will be the fifth light-heavyweight champion in three tumultuous years. It will also capture the division’s chaotic essence and herald the dawn of a new era. 

Era of stability

Once marked by stability and marquee rivalries, the light-heavyweight class witnessed frequent title changes in the early 2000s. Ortiz, Couture, Belfort, and Liddell transitioned to another division.

However, Jackson, Griffin, Evans, Machida, and Rua took turns as champions before Jon Jones’s dominant era.

Jones’s departure left the title hanging, briefly held by Daniel Cormier before both moved to heavyweight. UFC 295 signifies another attempt to restore order.

What to expect at UFC 295

Headlining the event are Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira, vying for the elusive title

Jamahal Hill is a fleeting champion who surrendered the title due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and is eyeing a 2024 return.

Jiri Prochazka, the penultimate champion, returns after 17 months, boasting athleticism and raw talent. His aggressive style, clinching 11 consecutive victories, injects unpredictability into the division.

As UFC 295 approaches, promising a new champion, the light-heavyweight landscape mirrors a tangled web of contenders and winners, epitomizing the division’s recent turbulence.

Strickland vs. Du Plessis tops UFC 297 fight cards.

Sean Strickland vs. Du Plessis

In a highly anticipated showdown, American Sean “Tarzan” Strickland will defend his middleweight title against South Africa’s Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis at UFC 297 in Toronto on January 20. 

This marks the UFC’s return to Toronto for the first time since 2018, adding extra excitement to the event.

Dana White, the UFC president, and Sean Strickland unveiled the much-anticipated January 2024 fight card featuring this clash of middleweight titans. White enthusiastically stated, “Busting into the new year with some fun fights.”

The upcoming Toronto card holds historical significance as the UFC last visited the city on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231. 

The memorable event saw then-featherweight champion Max Holloway secure a nasty Technical Knockout victory in the fourth round over the No. 1 challenger, Brian Ortega, at Scotiabank Arena.

Strickland, boasting a record of 28-5-0, claimed the 185-pound title in September at UFC 293 in Sydney, Australia. This orchestrated one of the sport’s most significant upsets against Israel, “The Last Stylebender.”

With a record of 20-2-0, Du Plessis enters the contest on an impressive streak, winning his last eight fights, including all six in the UFC, with five of those victories ending in stoppages.

Currently ranked second among middleweight contenders, he follows closely behind Adesanya, the Nigerian-born, New Zealand-based fighter.

The Strickland vs. Du Plessis clash promises to highlight the UFC’s return to Toronto, adding another chapter to the middleweight division’s compelling narrative.

The next UFC fights announced by White also include 

• UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski of Australia vs. Ilia Topuria of Spain in February at UFC 298.

• Bantamweight title holder Sean O’Malley against Ecuador’s Marlon Vera in March scheduled for UFC 299

Once again, Strickland couldn’t contain his discontent upon learning he would fight in January and Canada.

Taking to Instagram, he quipped, “Well, Canada, it’s  time to bring you all some freedom.”

Despite his lack of enthusiasm, he begrudgingly accepted the call to aid two women in their professional duties, cheekily adding, “And they call me sexist.”

This announcement stems from the upcoming clash between Raquel “Rocky” Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant UFC women’s bantamweight title to grace the Toronto card. 

Strickland’s remarks come on the heels of previous controversy, where he faced backlash for sexist and misogynistic comments during a UFC 293 press conference.

In contrast, Du Plessis approaches the upcoming event on the heels of a flawless TKO victory over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the UFC 290 title eliminator fight held earlier this year.

A Closer Look at His Break from the Octagon.

Israel Adesanya, the former middleweight champion, has recently made a strategic move in his MMA career by taking a break from competition. 

This decision follows his middleweight title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 293, where he suffered a decisive unanimous decision defeat. Adding to this setback, Adesanya faced legal trouble, having pleaded guilty to a drunk driving incident in New Zealand on August 19. 

In response to these challenges, Adesanya is prioritizing his well-being and has decided to step away from the octagon for an extended period.

Adesanya’s Quest for Self-Improvement

In the face of adversity, Adesanya has taken an admirable stance. Rather than making excuses, he has fully acknowledged Strickland’s exceptional performance and given credit to his skills and support team.

Adesanya is resolute in his commitment to self-improvement during his break from fighting. He emphasizes that this break is about healing and personal development, dispelling any notions of retirement.

Jon Jones Backs Adesanya’s Bold Move

Jon Jones, a three-time light heavyweight champion and a revered figure in MMA history, has thrown his weight behind Adesanya’s decision to step back from fighting. Drawing from his experience of a three-year hiatus from 2020 to 2023, Jones wholeheartedly supports Adesanya’s choice to prioritize his well-being. 

Despite their past feuds, Adesanya and Jones have reconciled and even explored the possibility of training together. Adesanya’s return to the octagon is uncertain, but his aim is precise: to emulate Jones’ triumphant return when the time is right.

In summary, Adesanya’s strategic timeout from the octagon is a pivotal moment in his MMA journey. It showcases his dedication to self-improvement and personal growth while receiving strong support from a seasoned champion like Jon Jones. Adesanya’s fans anticipate his return, anticipating future triumphs in MMA.

Volkanovski Seeks Redemption in Short-Notice Rematch Against Makhachev”

Alexander Volkanovski is seizing an unexpected opportunity to rematch Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 294. With just under two weeks’ notice, Volkanovski aims to avenge his close decision loss to Makhachev earlier this year at UFC 284.

“I want to go out there and hurt him,” Volkanovski declared. “I want to finish it early and not test his gas tank. I plan on knocking him out.”

Tied initially to a featherweight title defense against Ilia Topuria at UFC 297, Volkanovski’s plans changed rapidly when Charles Oliveira withdrew due to an eye injury. 

Despite the intrigue of the Topuria matchup, the extended wait until January following a successful title defense and subsequent hand surgery was less appealing to Volkanovski. When the opportunity to face Makhachev came knocking, he eagerly embraced it.

“I didn’t hesitate at all,” Volkanovski said. “I had a smile on my face. I needed this, to be honest.”

With a refreshed mindset and the chance to rectify his previous loss, Volkanovski is poised for an electrifying showdown in Abu Dhabi. MMA fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter in the lightweight division’s main event at UFC 294.

The new entity is called TKO

The launching of the merger between UFC and WWE.

The world’s two biggest sports entertainment companies, WWE and UFC, have completed a £21. 4 billion merger to create a new entity called TKO. The merger, announced in April, gives UFC owners Endeavour Group Holdings a 51% stake in TKO, while WWE shareholders own the remaining 49%.

The merger is a significant coup for Endeavour, which has been looking to expand its sports and entertainment portfolio. The UFC is the world’s leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, with a global fan base of over 600 million people. WWE is the worldwide leader in professional wrestling, with a fan base of over 1 billion people.

The merger will create a new powerhouse in the sports and entertainment industries. TKO will have a combined annual revenue of over $5 billion and a global reach of over 1 billion fans. The company is expected to invest heavily in content creation, marketing, and distribution.

Professional wrestling and mixed martial arts are expected to experience significant future effects from the merger. TKO is anticipated to combine the two organizations’ production teams and talent rosters. This might increase cross-promotional activities and boost rivalry between the two sports.

It is still too early to say what the long-term implications of the merger will be. However, TKO is a significant player in the sports and entertainment industries. The company is well-positioned to grow its business and continue to entertain fans worldwide.

Implications of the WWE and UFC Merger

• Increased Competition

TKO will have a larger talent pool and a bigger budget to invest in marketing and production. This could lead to more cross-promotional events and higher-quality content. The coalescence will create a more competitive environment for MMA and professional wrestling.

• New opportunities for fans

The merger will create new opportunities for fans of both sports. TKO could offer more crossover events, like mixed martial arts matches featuring WWE wrestlers. The company could create new content formats like reality shows or documentaries.

•  Expansion into new markets

The marriage will give TKO the resources to expand into new markets. The company could launch new TV channels or streaming services in countries where MMA and professional wrestling are less popular.

• Increased revenue

The coalition is expected to generate significant revenue for TKO. The company could sell more pay-per-view events, merchandise, and sponsorships. It could also attract more investment from investors.

The WWE and UFC merger significantly developed the sports and entertainment industries. The merger is expected to create a new powerhouse that will continue entertaining fans worldwide for years.

Alan Hutton has revealed Arsenal have been “unlucky” with transfers this season.

A number of the Gunners’ top targets have either joined rival clubs it refused to make move.

The recent incident experienced is the failed move for Mykhaylo Mudryk who later joined Chelsea and Moises Caicedo who was unable to leave Brighton despite wanting the move.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said that it is impressive the Gunners are willing to walk away from deals that go beyond their price point.

When asked if the London club have a big problem with transfers, Hutton told Football Insider: “They are a little bit unlucky.

“Chelsea came in late doors with a higher bid. So it would be annoying, especially having done all the groundwork to try and get these players to your club.

“Ultimately if you have got a limit on spending and a player goes above that, I think it shows a good side of them that they are willing to walk away. I think that shows you where they are at.

“They are in a really good place, they are doing really well under Arteta so I do not see why they should feel upset about it. But I am sure moving forward they will have other plans.“