Valentina Shevchenko dug deep and delivered yet another title defense at UFC 275, although her performance was somewhat ragged compared to “Bullet” Valentina’s usual crisp, dominant fighting style. At the post-fight press conference, Shevchenko revealed that she fought with an injury to earn a split decision victory, describing the event as “exactly what she wanted”.
“Coming into the fight, I was injured.
My foot was injured. All week, fight week, UFC Performance Institute, physical therapists they were working on my foot to get it back into the best shape. The few kicks that I had like super strong, it injured my foot. That’s why I was willing to dance but we’re going to have to do an X-ray. I hope it’s nothing serious that could delay my return to the octagon but this is the reason why I didn’t dance.
Considering pulling out of the fight? Never.
Shevchenko Reveals She Fought With Injury at UFC 275
Every time I have something, I try to deal with that first and actually I could not walk on my foot when I got this injury. I could not jump on it. But thankfully to the [physical therapists], they were able to get me back and I kind of felt OK. When you’re in the fight, you have all this adrenaline and you just kick no matter what and you kick and think what’s going to happen.”
Shevchenko remained assured that victory was guaranteed despite her handicap in the Octagon. Damage, for Valentina, reigns supreme in martial arts scoring.
“I worked until the last second of the fight to get my victory, to get my hands raised up. When it’s judges you never know but if you work out everything you have and leave your heart and soul in the fight, you will be proud of yourself no matter what.
Nothing surprised me. I really didn’t have any position, even when she was on my back, I didn’t feel in trouble. Like oh my God, this is tight and you have to work on your character.
No, there was not. More than that, she kind of was inactive. Even me being in that position, I was striking and I feel the power of the strikes and I felt how she reacted because it was hurting her. This is what counts the most in mixed martial arts.
Damage.”
What’s next for Valentina Shevchenko? Will she have time recover before her next title defense? Let us know in the comments.
