Valentina Shevchenko Vacates Flyweight Title Due to Shoulder Injury

Valentina Shevchenko will step away from the flyweight title as she recovers from a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline her for most of a year. Reports indicate the veteran fighter faces approximately eight months of rehabilitation before she can resume the demands of a professional fight camp.

The vacancy opens the door for Natalia Silva and Wang Cong, who are scheduled to compete at UFC 332. By the time Shevchenko is cleared to return to competition, she will be approaching 40 years of age. Shevchenko previously defended her title against Manon Fiorot and Zhang Weili before this development interrupted her latest championship tenure.