In a recent interview with MMA YouTube channel Ushatayka, UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defended her last fight and women’s MMA against opinion based critics of the subject.
Shevchenko has solidified herself as one of the most impactful and exciting athletes in the UFC, but because of this, many expect fireworks in each of her outings. In her most recent fight, with Weili Zhang, another former champion and pivotal figure in women’s MMA, she won after controlling the majority of the bout in an impressive 5-round unanimous decision. But, despite the skill she showed in the match, the overall feel among fans was that it was not an overly exciting match.
With UFC 324 right around the corner, on January 24th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, women’s MMA will take the spotlight in the co-main event with Amanda Nunes returning from a short retirement to take on current bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison.
During Shevchenko’s recent interview, she expressed that she does not feel everyone is carrying their own opinion when it comes to women in this field, but typically following opinions that they hear online without truly analyzing things.
“Most people don’t ask themselves what, how, or why. They simply repeat what they’re told. Journalists say things from their platforms, and many people just repeat it without thinking,” Shevchenko said.
“In reality, they don’t truly feel that way. The phrase lives on only because it’s repeated without engaging the mind. First of all, the beautiful form that highlights physique and athleticism. A woman shows not only strength, but also grace.
“She controls her body and demonstrates complex, varied techniques. For example, spinning strikes — that’s very beautiful.”
(h/t Yahoo! Sports)