Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko is widely known for being one of the most technical and dominant female fighters in UFC history. Fans often ask: When did Shevchenko win the belt? Who did she beat? And how long did she hold the title?

Here’s the complete, easy-to-understand breakdown of her championship win, title defenses, rivalries, and legacy.

Shevchenko Won the UFC Flyweight Belt on December 8, 2018

Valentina Shevchenko became UFC champion on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231 in Toronto, Canada. She defeated former strawweight queen Joanna Jędrzejczyk by unanimous decision to become the UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion.

Event Details

• Event: UFC 231: Holloway vs Ortega

• Location: Toronto, Canada

• Weight Class: Flyweight (125 lbs)

• Result: Shevchenko defeated Joanna Jędrzejczyk via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 49–46)

This fight is often considered one of the most technical women’s MMA matchups ever.

Why the Flyweight Belt Was a Natural Fit for Her

Before winning the championship, Shevchenko competed at bantamweight (135 lbs), mostly because the UFC didn’t have a flyweight division for women at the time. She fought larger opponents like Amanda Nunes and Holly Holm—and still almost beat them.

When UFC launched the 125-pound division, it was immediately clear she would be the future champion.

At flyweight, she combined:

• Elite striking

• World-class counter-punching

• Strong grappling

• High fight IQ

• Light, efficient movement

• Excellent endurance

The division quickly became her territory.

How She Won the Belt: Shevchenko vs Joanna Jędrzejczyk (UFC 231)

1. Technical Superiority

Shevchenko was simply the cleaner, more efficient striker. Her timing, distance control, and angles shut down Joanna’s usual volume-based style.

2. Strong Takedowns

She mixed in grappling at strategic moments, surprising Joanna and controlling key parts of the fight.

3. Championship Composure

She looked calm and in control for 25 minutes, pacing herself like a seasoned champion.

4. Familiarity With Joanna

Before meeting in the UFC, Shevchenko had defeated Joanna multiple times in Muay Thai competition. That confidence showed.

The result was clear: Valentina claimed the belt with one of the most polished performances of her career.

Shevchenko’s Title Reign: One of the Most Dominant in UFC History

After winning the belt, Shevchenko went on a dominant championship run, defending her title multiple times between 2019 and 2022.

Title Defense #1 — Jessica Eye (June 2019)

• Win: Head-kick knockout

• Event: UFC 238

This head-kick KO is one of the most iconic moments in her career.

Title Defense #2 — Liz Carmouche (August 2019)

• Win: Unanimous decision

• Tactical, smart, and defensively perfect

Title Defense #3 — Katlyn Chookagian (February 2020)

• Win: TKO (crucifix)

• Pure dominance from start to finish

Title Defense #4 — Jennifer Maia (November 2020)

• Win: Unanimous decision

• She rebounded after losing a round, then completely controlled the fight

Title Defense #5 — Jessica Andrade (April 2021)

• Win: TKO (crucifix again)

• Many thought Andrade was her toughest test. Shevchenko made it look easy.

Title Defense #6 — Lauren Murphy (September 2021)

• Win: TKO

• Another dominant clinic

Title Defense #7 — Taila Santos (June 2022)

• Win: Split decision

• Her toughest challenger to date

• Competitive match where Santos used strong grappling

When She Lost the Belt

Valentina lost her flyweight championship to Alexa Grasso on March 4, 2023, at UFC 285, by fourth-round rear-naked choke.

It was the biggest upset in the division’s history.

Rematch: Valentina Shevchenko vs Alexa Grasso 2

They fought again in September 2023. This time, the fight ended in a draw, meaning Grasso retained her title.

Many fans believe Shevchenko won the rematch, but the scorecards were controversial—especially the 10–8 final round from judge Mike Bell.

Why Her Championship Years Matter

Valentina’s run wasn’t just long—it was technical dominance at a level rarely seen. Her style inspired a generation of fighters and elevated the flyweight division into one of the UFC’s strongest female weight classes.

Her reign is remembered for:

✔ Extraordinary consistency

✔ High-level IQ

✔ Balanced skill set (striking + grappling)

✔ Game-planning perfection

✔ Discipline and professionalism

Even today, many consider her the greatest women’s flyweight fighter of all time.

How She Maintained Her Champion-Level Performance

Several factors kept Shevchenko on top for years:

1. Global Training Camps

She trains across Thailand, Las Vegas, and Central Asia, mixing styles and evolving constantly.

2. Longtime Coach Pavel Fedotov

Their 20+ year partnership created a rare fighter-coach bond.

3. Her Lifestyle

A quiet, disciplined, distraction-free life helped her peak physically and mentally.

4. Experience Across Combat Sports

• Muay Thai

• Kickboxing

• Taekwondo

• Judo

• MMA

This multi-style background made her incredibly well-rounded.

Legacy: Where She Stands Today

Even after losing the belt, Shevchenko remains a top contender in the flyweight division and one of the UFC’s most respected veterans. Fans still expect:

• A trilogy fight with Alexa Grasso

• Potential superfights

• A late-career resurgence

• A Hall of Fame career

Her championship era may have ended, but her legacy remains untouched.

Summary: When Did Shevchenko Win the Belt?

Here’s the clear, quick answer:

Valentina Shevchenko won the UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship on December 8, 2018, at UFC 231 by defeating Joanna Jędrzejczyk via unanimous decision.

She then became one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, defending the belt seven times over nearly five years before losing it in 2023.