Shevchenko's Coach Reveals Injury Behind Title Vacation

Valentina Shevchenko's coach has disclosed the injury that forced the former flyweight champion to relinquish her title ahead of UFC 332.

Pavel Fedotov told Telegram Ushatayka that Shevchenko suffered ligament damage to her shoulder and back, sidelining her from a planned October 3 bout against Natalia Silva. The recovery timeline extends close to a year, prompting the decision to vacate rather than hold up the division.

Shevchenko Plans Title Return After Recovery

"We were supposed to fight on Oct. 3 against Natalia Silva, but due to an injury to the ligaments in the shoulder and back, we decided not to push things and postpone the fight," Fedotov said, per MMA Fighting. "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."

The UFC announced Saturday that Silva and Wang Cong will instead meet for the vacant championship in Salt Lake City. Shevchenko holds nine successful flyweight title defenses and ranks fourth all-time in UFC title fight victories.

No return date has been set for the Kyrgyzstan native, who last competed at UFC 322 in November 2025.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Valentina Shevchenko’s coach reveals injury that forced Shevchenko to vacate flyweight title