HOUSTON – Valentina Shevchenko is a renaissance woman. It’s appears like there are few things the reigning UFC women’s flyweight champion can’t do, and she relishes that mindset in every day life.
Following her social media alone, it’s evident Shevchenko (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC), who meets Katlyn Chookagian in Saturday’s UFC 247 co-headliner, has a wide variety of interests outside of fighting and training.
Confining herself into one box has never been Shevchenko’s style. She said she wants to do it all, and likened herself to fictional action film character James Bond.
“I just want to learn more and more every time,” Shevchenko told reporters, including MMA Junkie, at Wednesday’s UFC 247 athlete panel. “I think we have to face our time in life and one of my favorites images of a person and how they should be, is James Bond. Why do people like him? Because he can do everything. He can fly a plane, he can drive a car, motorcycle. He can do whatever. This is what motivates me to do and continue to do what I’m doing.”
Although Shevchenko intends to continue expanding her horizons every day, competing in MMA and defending her title is still the top priority in life.
Shevchenko will attempt to defend the 125-pound belt for the third time when she meets Chookagian (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in the co-main event matchup at UFC 247, which takes place at Toyota Center with a main card on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass.
Despite being a steep betting favorite ahead of the bout, Shevchenko said she’s not under any disillusions of what’s on her plate. She knows Chookagian is a worthy opponent, and that’s why she trained fiercely to ensure her success continues.
“You have to be really careful about everything,” Shevchenko said. “It doesn’t matter who you face. This is my mentality to make the fight easy, you have to train harder than anyone. I know Katlyn, she’s hoping her reach and her height is going to help her in the fight, but she’s mistaken. She’s mistaken a lot. I know exactly what to expect from her.”
Valentina Shevchenko's driving motivation ahead of UFC 247? Be like James Bond
