Shevchenko's Coach Confirms Shoulder Injury After Vacating Title

Valentina Shevchenko vacated her UFC flyweight title due to shoulder and back ligament damage that will require extended recovery time, her coach Pavel Fedotov confirmed this week.

Shevchenko was scheduled to defend against Natalia Silva at UFC 332 on October 3 before pulling out of the bout. The UFC opted to have Wang Cong replace Shevchenko in a title fight against Silva rather than postpone the championship matchup.

Extended Recovery Timeline For Shevchenko

Fedotov told Russian outlet Ushatayka that the decision to relinquish the belt came after medical assessments showed the recovery period would be substantial. "We were supposed to fight on October 3 against Natália Silva, but due to an injury to the ligaments in the shoulder and back, we decided not to push things and postpone the fight," he said, per Bloody Elbow. "Given that the recovery will take a long time, we've made the decision to temporarily vacate the belt, and once she recovers, she will fight for it again."

Shevchenko regained the flyweight championship in September 2025 with a decision victory over Alexa Grasso, closing out their trilogy after Grasso had taken the title from her in March 2023. The 37-year-old has held UFC gold across two separate reigns at 125 pounds.

Silva and Wang are now set to contest the vacant title next month. Shevchenko will enter the title picture once cleared to compete.

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• BJPenn — Valentina Shevchenko’s coach provides update on injuries after vacating UFC title