Following a close but unsuccessful attempt to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship, Valentina Shevchenko now has her sights set on the new UFC Flyweight division.
Shevchenko is elated about the UFC's decision to institute a 125 pound division after years of her competing at 135 pounds. Several names have already made the move to flyweight in the UFC, including Jessica Eye, Paige VanZant, Liz Carmouche, Alexis Davis. Shevchenko opened up to Fightful's James Lynch about her cut to the new weight class.
"I prefer it with a little bit of diet to get down to 130, and the last week just have the five pounds to cut. I can feel more healthy and see my real power. I have a lot of experience cutting weight. I can make my own style of cutting weight and see exactly what is working for me," said Shevchenko.
In addition to fighting for the 135 pound title, Shevchenko spent time training with the new 115-pound champion in Rose Namajunas. While getting to know Namajunas, it wasn't a surprise to Valetina that Rose won the UFC Strawweight Championship from the dominant Joanna Jędrzejczyk.
"I congratulated her," Shevchenko said. "Everything after winning the title was changing in her life. Of course she has to defend it and be focused."
Despite coming up short against Amanda Nunes at UFC 215 for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, Shevchenko isn't dwelling on the loss.
"Of course after everything you think you could do it different than I did. Looking back, I didn't close the fight. What can we do? Nothing. The decision was already taken. I can just focus on my future career. I'm really happy I'm fighting at 125, I feel like this division is more for me," said Shevchenko. "Before it wasn't an option."
In the full interview, Valentina Shevchenko (14-3) discusses her upcoming fight against Priscila Cachoeira (8-0) at UFC Fight Night 125 on Feb. 3. Valentina also talks about her loss to Amanda Nunes, why she's moving down to flyweight and her training camp for this fight and Ronda Rousey signing with the WWE.
