## Valentina Shevchenko Responds to Doubters After UFC 322 Victory: “They Don’t Know Martial Arts”
Following her hard-fought victory over Zhang Weili at UFC 322, flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko addressed the criticism surrounding her performance and the pre-fight predictions favoring her opponent. Shevchenko emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and not being swayed by external opinions.
“You cannot get mad at someone because they have different opinions,or because they don’t have enough experience or they don’t know martial arts. You cannot be mad about them,” shevchenko stated. “They will come to you.It will take time, but they will understand martial arts for this moment.”
Despite widespread speculation that Zhang Weili would claim a second belt, Shevchenko remained confident. She acknowledged the praise Zhang received leading up to the fight, highlighting comments about her size, strength, speed, and explosiveness. however, Shevchenko asserted that zhang’s success against previous opponents didn’t guarantee the same outcome against her.
“I knew about what people were saying and it’s leading to the fight,” Shevchenko explained. “Everyone was praising [Zhang]…but it doesn’t mean that she will do the same against me. Because [I am] not the other opponents. [I am] me. [I am] ‘The Bullet.’ I have completely different skills, speed, strength.”
Shevchenko believes that those with a deep understanding of martial arts recognized the reality of the matchup. With nine accomplished title defenses already under her belt, Shevchenko now looks toward her next challenge. While acknowledging the deserving contenders in the flyweight division, such as Brazil’s Natalia Silva, she expressed particular interest in a potential rematch with Amanda Nunes.
Nunes previously defeated Shevchenko twice in 2016-2017 during Shevchenko’s time in the bantamweight division. Shevchenko has remained at flyweight as 2018, but welcomed Nunes’ recent social media tease of a move to 125 pounds. She also extended an invitation to current UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, who is expected to face nunes upon her return next year.
“Let’s do it, Amanda. Come on. 125,” Shevchenko challenged. “Maybe Kayla Harrison will want to go down to 125 and do it as well. I welcome everyone.”
Shevchenko concluded by questioning Nunes’ confidence while in a semi-retired state, suggesting that her outspokenness stems from a perceived safety behind distance. “She feels safe to speak now,and that’s why you cannot never trust when people speak that much in their own words. You cannot believe in everything.”
