Champ Valentina Shevchenko reveals unique stipulation in her UFC contract

HOUSTON – Valentina Shevchenko’s desire is to fight as often as possible, and the UFC flyweight champion doesn’t much care what platform it’s on.

Title fights are typically reserved for numbered events and pay-per-view cards, but Shevchenko (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) said she doesn’t want to be confined. She meets Katlyn Chookagian on Saturday in the UFC 247 co-main event on pay-per-view, but prior to this fight, her most recent defense against Liz Carmouche came on an ESPN+ card.

That’s by design, Shevchenko said. Because she made a specific contract request about being able to fight on all platforms.

“I’m a person who wants to compete more often and as much as I can,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie at UFC 247 media day Thursday. “That’s why, when I signed my new agreement with UFC, one of the things I asked is to be able to compete not only in pay-per-views, but also in different events of UFC to be able to compete more often. So, for me, the more often I compete, the more happy I am.”

Although Shevchenko is more open than most to defending her belt under a variety of circumstances, the most attention and financial gain would seemingly come on a card like UFC 247, which takes place at Toyota Center and features Jon Jones vs. Dominick Reyes in the main event.

Money isn’t the primary motivator for Shevchenko, though. It’s important, but according to the UFC champ, it’s merely a means to an end.

“This mentality came from very, very far away,” Shevchenko said. “I was growing up with this idea that it doesn’t matter what you are doing, the most important is the journey and what you get through this. Of course when you get more money it’s a great thing. What I think about money is it gives you certain freedom in your actions.

“I don’t want to spend money on buying car. I don’t want to spend money buying houses or things. I want to spend money on my travels, to invest in myself, to learn more, to get more knowledge for exploring new things.”

Shevchenko said a goal for 2020 is to compete as often as possible and defend her title frequently. It all starts with Chookagian (13-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) at UFC 247, and “Bullet” said she’s targeting a decisive performance.

“I am ready for this fight with all my 100 percent,” Shevchenko said. “I am ready to do anything that I should do. I will see the moment to finish the fight by KO or submission or whatever.”