“Bullet” won his first UFC title in December 2018 and defended the gold less than a year ago. Between two separate title reigns, Shevchenko has defended her belt a remarkable nine times. Even in her late 30s, Shevchenko’s grip on her title remains iron. She has the third most UFC wins in women’s MMA history, along with a dozen more longevity records from her years of dominance.
How much respect and influence does all this excellence buy? Not much, as it turns out. Last month, news broke that Shevchenko was injured and that he was injured decided to vacate the title instead of holding the division up. As a result UFC 332 carried the title Wang Cong versus Shevchenko’s intended opponent, Natalia Silvaon the line with the newly released belt. Silva left as the new champion, while Shevchenko gets the next title perhaps.
Now a new report Ariel Helwani revealed that Shevchenko’s title retirement may not have been so voluntary. In fact, he may have been pressured to drop the belt simply because the UFC 332 card couldn’t survive without a title fight. One time Paulo Costa negotiations broke downPeeling Shevchenko was suddenly the only chance for a title fight
“Does he have a long-term injury, yes,” he explained (via Bloody elbow). “If the UFC had another title fight by October 3rd, would he still be the champion, yes. Did he voluntarily give up the belt, no. Absolutely not. They needed a title fight. They said we’ll do right by you, if you come back, you’ll get a title fight.”