Report: UFC allegedly pressured Valentina Shevchenko to vacate flyweight title

A recent report from Ariel Helwani claims that Valentina Shevchenko did not voluntarily surrender her flyweight championship belt last month. While Shevchenko is managing a lingering injury, the report indicates that she would have retained her status as champion had the UFC secured an alternative main event for the October 3 card.

The promotion reportedly moved to strip the title after negotiations for a Paulo Costa bout fell through, leaving the organization in need of a title fight to headline UFC 332. Natalia Silva defeated Wang Cong at the event to become the new champion. According to the report, the UFC informed Shevchenko that she would receive the next title opportunity upon her return, though it remains unclear if future matchmaking factors like Alexa Grasso or Erin Blanchfield could alter those plans.