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

Valentina Shevchenko's coach said an injury to shoulder and back ligaments prompted her to vacate the UFC women's flyweight title, a development that resets the division's immediate plans.The update followed rumors of a Valentina Shevchenko defense against Natalia Silva at UFC 332 on Oct. 3. The UFC has scheduled Silva vs. Cong Wang for the vacant women's flyweight championship in Salt Lake City.Details were shared on Ushatayka's Telegram channel, citing coach Pavel Fedotov, who said recovery would take time and the team opted not to rush. Fedotov added that once Shevchenko returns, she intends to compete for the belt again. Shevchenko has not competed since defending her title against Weili Zhang in November 2025.