VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Valentina Shevchenko was beaten but not broken when she lost her flyweight title to Alexa Grasso at UFC 285 in March.
Since the defeat, her first in nearly five-and-a-half years, Shevchenko (23-4 MMA, 12-3 UFC) has largely laid low, out of the spotlight. But as a guest fighter at Friday’s Q&A at Rogers Area ahead of UFC 289, Shevchenko addressed the defeat and impending rematch vs. Grasso (16-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC).
“I’m getting ready for the rematch and I know what I have to do,” Shevchenko said. “Yeah, I’m just getting ready. I’m refocused and retaking (in) everything. I am in this fight in martial arts for so long, like 30 years. For 30 years, people (usually) have three careers in martial arts. But I’m still here. I’m still saying I’m the best. I’ll have my chance to say it again when I fight next Alexa.
