Valentina Shevchenko frustrated with inactivity, lack of fighters calling her out: ‘What’s happening with you girls? Why so quiet?’
Valentina Shevchenko wishes she could fight more often.
Shevchenko fought back in June at UFC 275 with a split decision win over Taila Santos to defend her title for the seventh time. It was the only time she competed in 2022 which was frustrating for her as Shevchenko wanted to fight in December, but the UFC couldn’t get her an opponent.
“I wanted to fight in December, but it’s my understanding that it was hard to find an opponent,” Shevchenko said to UFC.com. “I’m just here, training all the time, almost every day, waiting for the call. I’ve been ready since I don’t know — since September? If they call me tomorrow, I’m ready tomorrow.”
A big reason why Valentina Shevchenko is not as active as she wants is due to the fact there are no clear-cut title challengers for her. The UFC decided against the Santos rematch and now the champ is waiting around for either Manon Fiorot or Alexa Grasso to get the title shot, but the lack of fights at the top of 125lbs is frustrating her.
“I want to fight frequently, but I realize this is a problem for the UFC to find opponents in order for me to fight frequently,” said Shevchenko. “My understanding is that everyone would love to fight for a title, so what’s happening with you girls? Why so quiet?”
Ultimately, the hope for Shevchenko is to return in March against whoever and fight at least two times in 2023.
“The champion is ready, so just bring everyone who is ready,” Shevchenko said. “March sounds like very good timing. It’s already January and with all the holidays and New Year, it’s going to run so quickly. March is good timing; it’s kind of perfect. And I would say that I’m open to all opportunities.”
Shevchenko is 23-3 and is on a nine-fight winning streak with wins over Jessica Andrade, Lauren Murphy, Katlyn Chookagian, and Joanna Jedrzjeczyk among others during that time.
