Valentina Shevchenko isn't slowing down. Coming off a November win over Weili Zhang and eyeing a defense against Natalia Silva, the UFC women's flyweight champion says her edge is control-not over opponents, but over everything success brings.
"Eleven title wins means a lot of time and years," she says. "It means you have to stay hungry for victory all the time."
Recovery is key. Early in her career, she pushed through every injury. Now, she says, "If it's serious, I stop." She trains every other day, even between fights, and prefers nature over gyms.
Her unconventional strength work includes lifting uneven stones for grip and recommending pull-up bars for fight readiness. The goal remains clear: "I train not just for participation. I train to give everything and be the best."