Valentina Shevchenko’s coach reveals injury behind ‘long’ UFC hiatus

Valentina Shevchenko's coach has shed light on the injury that prompted her to vacate the Ultimate Fighting Championship women’s flyweight title.

Shevchenko was rumored to defend the title against Natalia Silva at UFC 332 on Oct. 3, but an undisclosed injury forced her out. The UFC subsequently announced that Shevchenko would relinquish the belt, with Silva and Cong Wang now set to fight for the vacant championship in Salt Lake City.

Ushatayka’s Telegram channel revealed what Pavel Fedotov, Shevchenko’s coach, said about her injury.

“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. “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 hasn’t competed since defending her title against Weili Zhang in November 2025.