Speaking ahead of her title defence at UFC 315, Stake Global Ambassador, UFC Flyweight World Champion and female P4P number 1, Valentina Shevchenko gives an exclusive insight into her fight preparations as she sat down with us here at Stake.com.
The sporting legend will defend her belt against France’s Manon Foriot in Montreal, Canada, and look to cement her legacy as one of the Greatest of All Time.
Discover everything Shevchenko had to say ahead of the big event and check out our UFC betting odds before watching it live and free right here on Stake Sportsbook. For more tips and tricks, you be sure to read up on our expert UFC predictions and MMA betting guide for more information.
How has your training camp gone?
Training camp was amazing. It has been a very strong camp with some really great training partners. It is the last week of hard work now, we are pushing all the way forward. I am ready for the fight. I would say it is one of the strongest training camps I have ever had - so I am definitely ready for anything that awaits me next Saturday.
What do you think of your opponent Manon Fiorot - are you familiar with her fighting style, and do you think she has earned this title shot?
I think she is a good fighter. Also definitely, to be a contender, you have to prove that you deserve it. She has had good fights in her career. It is going to be an amazing fight, but I am very confident in my power, my technique, my speed and everything I have. I know it is going to be a great fight. I will give everything I need to win it.
Fiorot sent a message saying “Let’s get the fight started now,” and hinted that she might want to send you into retirement. Do you feel like she disrespected you?
It was a little bit weird to hear those kinds of things from her because she claims to be a respectful fighter, but apparently not so much anymore! But I do not care. I do not care what my opponent is thinking or what they have in mind, because I know who I am. I know my strategy for the fight. I know how I act leading into the fight. That is what is important to me, because I rely only on my own strength.
You are returning to Canada for this fight - does the location matter to you, or are you happy to defend your title anywhere?
I think it is amazing because I really love to travel. A few months ago, we visited Montreal for a press conference leading up to UFC 315. It is a gorgeous city and the food is amazing. I cannot wait to see how it is during the springtime. In the winter, it was very snowy, freezing and cold.
Now, everything is blooming and the sun is shining, it is going to be very pretty. I love to travel, to meet new people and cultures. Knowing that I won the Flyweight title in Toronto, also in Canada, it is definitely going to be amazing to defend it there.
You are known for big finishes, but your recent fights have gone to decision, does that make you want a finish even more this time?
Definitely. Every fighter wishes for an amazing finish - submission or knockout. But when you are fighting high-level competitors, you do everything to look for the finish, but you also have to be careful not to get finished yourself. That is something you learn through experience.
If I see an opportunity to finish the fight, I will go for it. I will go until the end to submit or knock out my opponent. I am ready for anything the fight may bring.
How do you think your style matches up with Manon Fiorot’s, and what do you see as her main strengths?
I do, yes. I started watching her fights once I signed the contract. I have been deeply studying her style and analysing what she can bring to the fight. She has a lot of striking power and force. She is also good with takedowns and grappling.
It is mixed martial arts. It is not like, “Okay, she is only going to do one thing.” No, you have to be ready for everything. That is what we are doing. My coach Pavel trains me every day to be prepared for stand-up, grappling, wrestling…everything basically. Just go and fight MMA style.
Where would you rank this opponent in terms of skill, or do you approach every fight the same, focusing solely on being your best?
The key to winning is to be in my best shape and the best version of myself. That is what I focus on when preparing for a fight. I do not concentrate too much on my opponent’s thoughts or mindset. Of course, I consider their style and movement, how they fight, but the most important thing is to bring out the best in myself on fight night. That is where my focus goes, especially with a short window before the fight.
Do you believe that if you train to be your best, no one can beat you? Is that your mindset?
Definitely. That has always been my mindset. Every training session is not about beating others, it is about challenging myself. Every day is different. Some days you want to train, some you do not. But you push yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and work on positions you dislike. That is how I grew up, and that is what my coach Pavel taught me.
Also on the card is the world title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. What are your thoughts on that matchup?
I think it is going to be a great, exciting fight for all MMA fans. A strong main card matchup. Once I am done with my fight, I will definitely be watching to see how it goes.
You have been at the top for so long - do you have a plan for what you still want to achieve?
I take each fight as it comes. For me, it is about the journey. Training, preparing and recovering. Being a martial artist is about giving your best at every step and staying active for as long as I can. Keeping that desire and motivation to compete is what is most important.
As the champion, do you pay attention to the rest of the division and any rising contenders, or do you just focus on your current opponent?
I watch fights in and out of my division and enjoy seeing how the other female fighters perform. But I never focus too much on potential future opponents. If someone is not signed to fight me, I do not waste energy thinking about them. When I have a fight booked, that is where all my focus goes. Thinking about five or ten possible future opponents simply does not make sense. You need to concentrate on the one in front of you.
One name that often comes up is Zhang Weili. A super fight between you two would definitely get a lot of attention. Is that something you would consider?
It would be huge, for sure. But right now, my focus is on my upcoming fight. You cannot skip three or four steps ahead. You have to put all your energy into the challenge in front of you. That is how you win. Afterward, we can talk about what is next.
Amanda Nunes was recently inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame. What are your thoughts on that?
Huge congratulations to Amanda. She deserves it. She had a great career and earned her place in the Hall of Fame.
You two had amazing fights. She sometimes hints she might come back. If she did, would that be something you would be interested in?
I sometimes wonder why she hasn’t returned, she is young, she has power, maybe she needed a rest.
On the other hand, it takes a lot of preparation to get back into fighting shape, but I don’t know why she hasn’t done it.
But it's still a rumour, right? I don't want to speak about something that is not happening yet. Let's return to this question when she actually makes a move and comes back to fight.
What do you think about the upcoming Juliana Peña vs. Kayla Harrison fight?
It will be one of the most interesting recent bantamweight fights. Both are strong. Juliana has experience, and Kayla has power and hunger. It will be exciting to watch and I am really looking forward to it.
You have fought in both divisions. Would you ever consider moving back up to bantamweight?
To go up to bantamweight, it would require a full process - building muscle without losing speed. I have fought at flyweight for a long time, and I have adapted to that. So it would be a big change. I am not not thinking about it right now, but I am definitely open to opportunities in the future.
You are the pound-for-pound number one in the women’s divisions. Is that something you focus on?
For me, being the division champion is more important. Pound-for-pound status does not bring benefits, but being champion does. I stay focused on training and staying grounded.
Zhang Weili is second in the pound-for-pound rankings. Do you think that is deserved?
Absolutely. She has proven herself as a strong, skilled champion. She has defended her belt and delivered great performances. She has heart, and she is an amazing fighter.
You have become the face of women’s MMA. Do you feel pressure from that?
Not really. The pressure of the fight itself outweighs everything else. Nothing compares to that pressure. So I do not mind the rest.
Most people probably cannot imagine what that pressure feels like. Is it worse before or during the fight?
For me, it is worse leading up to the fight. You have so much time to overthink and constantly feel that tension. Even months out, it is there. But once I am in the arena, warming up, I feel more calm. Then I just give everything and get it done.
Do you think you will miss that feeling once you retire?
I think everyone misses it. That is why so many fighters retire, then come back. Maybe we need a different word. Retirement feels final, but most people just need a break. A longer rest, not the end.
I saw Conor McGregor liked your Stake announcement post. He is still a huge name. Would you like to see him return?
I do not think it will happen. He is at a point in life where he does not need to go through the stress of preparing for a fight anymore. There is no greater pressure than that.
Are there any celebrities you would like to train with or meet?
I have huge admiration for celebrities like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mickey Rourke and Sylvester Stallone. They did so much for martial arts. They really helped bring the fighting sports into the mainstream and made them more popular around the world. Because of them, disciplines like Muay Thai and kickboxing became much more recognised. I truly admire them, and I would definitely love to meet them and shake their hands one day.
Would you like to have President Trump at one of your fights, given the incredible atmosphere he brings?
When a President supports a sport, it means so much to the entire fighting community. It brings everything to another level. And mixed martial arts right now - it is the best. It is the best combat sport in the world, nothing compares. Its popularity speaks for itself. And seeing the president not just supporting it but knowing the fighters, knowing the styles and being genuinely into it, that is a huge motivation for all of us as athletes.
After almost 10 years in the UFC, how have you seen the sport and the promotion grow since your debut?
For me, it does not feel that different because I have grown alongside the promotion. But yes, it has grown so much. It is the best organisation with the best fighters in the world. I am very proud and honored to be part of the UFC, to have been a champion here. It means a lot to me.
Is there anything you would like to see change or evolve in the UFC as it continues to grow?
It just keeps getting bigger and better, and of course, you always wish for more. That is human nature - we always want to go further. The people running it know what they are doing, and we, as fighters, know what we are doing. We just keep showing up and bringing the fire to every fight. That is the most important thing: everyone is doing their job at the highest level!
Are there any dream locations you would love to fight in, like Ilia Topuria wanting to fight at the Bernabéu?
I would have to say Madison Square Garden. It is such a historic venue. So many legendary names across all combat sports have fought there. It has such a rich history. So yes, Madison Square Garden would be a dream location for me.
