Valentina Shevchenko Claps Back at Khabib Nurmagomedov After ‘Women are Weak’ Comment from UFC Legend

UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko goes on a heated rant aimed at Khabib Nurmagomedov's recent comments on women's MMA.

Valentina Shevchenko Claps Back at Khabib Nurmagomedov After ‘Women are Weak’ Comment from UFC Legend

Valentina Shevchenko goes off on Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments (via Bloody Elbow)

In Short
  • Valentina Shevchenko responded to Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments on women's roles in MMA, defending gender equality.
  • She criticized his views, citing examples of strong women, including her sister and the "Night Witches" of WWII.
  • Shevchenko's advocacy for women's participation in sports contrasts with Nurmagomedov's traditional views on gender roles.

Valentina Shevchenko is one of the most dominant female MMA champions of all time. Over her 24‑year combat sports career, she has fought in more than 100 bouts with only a handful of losses. She is also a strong supporter of women’s rights and has defended gender equality in sports and society. Recently, she addressed UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov’s controversial remarks on women’s roles in fighting.

Shevchenko has competed in the UFC since 2015 and is widely recognized for her exceptional Muay Thai skills. Early in her UFC career, she secured wins over legends such as Joanna Jędrzejczyk and Holly Holm. Her accomplishments include two reigns as UFC flyweight champion, cementing her status among the sport’s elite. Most recently, she added a dominant victory over Weili Zhang at UFC 322 to her resume.

Nurmagomedov is widely regarded as one of the greatest UFC fighters, retiring undefeated with a 29‑0 record. He helped promote fighters from the Caucasus region, giving them recognition in the UFC. Despite his achievements, he has maintained that women are genetically built weaker than men, shaping his views on sports. His recent statements at a Sun Hills press conference prompted Shevchenko’s heated response.

Women are weak?! Tell that to my sister—an airline captain. Or tell it to the “Night Witches” the all-female bomber regiment of World War II, who dropped bombs under the cover of darkness with their engines off, then landed in pitch blackness without landing lights. For this, they earned a reputation for being elusive and deadly. Go ahead, tell them who is stronger. It all depends entirely on one’s upbringing. You can just as easily raise a man to be a helpless milksop who is incapable of doing anything.

Valentina Shevchenko via X

Nurmagomedov’s recent comments reignited debate by directly addressing women’s roles in MMA. He reiterated that he is not a supporter of women competing in mixed martial arts, grounding his stance in traditional gender roles and physical comparisons. The Eagle’s remarks referenced both sport and societal roles for women versus men, explaining that he does not favor women’s participation in MMA.

This was not the first time Shevchenko had publicly disagreed with the Dagestani legend. In 2021, Nurmagomedov stated that ring girls were an unnecessary distraction with no real role in sports. The Kyrgyz champion responded by pointing out that ring girls have been part of MMA since its early days. She also described them as a traditional, appealing element that enhances the sport’s presentation.

Valentina Shevchenko has been a vocal supporter of women’s role in society and sport, though she has noted that modern feminism can sometimes be overly aggressive. Khabib Nurmagomedov’s conservative views on gender contrast with her advocacy for women’s participation at elite levels. Their differing perspectives highlight ongoing debates about gender, culture, and the future direction of MMA.

Valentina Shevchenko replies to UFC legend’s demeaning comments

Ronda Rousey is widely recognized as a pioneer for women’s MMA, helping bring female fighters into the UFC spotlight. She became the first female UFC champion in 2012 and successfully defended the bantamweight title multiple times. Her high-profile career, including Olympic judo credentials, significantly raised the visibility of women in combat sports.

Valentina Shevchenko reacts to Ronda Rousey's degrading comments
Valentina Shevchenko reacts to Ronda Rousey’s degrading comments (via MMA Mania)

Rousey retired in 2016 after a knockout loss to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207, ending her reign in the bantamweight division. Nearly ten years later, she is returning to fight Gina Carano under the MVP MMA banner. Ahead of the fight, she criticized the UFC for inadequate fighter compensation. She also attacked Valentina Shevchenko’s OnlyFans activity, prompting a swift direct response from the flyweight champion.

It’s 2026. Fighters using OnlyFans is just a new way to connect with fans. Looks like Ronda slept too long after her last fight in 2016.

Valentina Shevchenko via X

The ‘Bullet’ may have caught Rousey’s attention by previously defending popular commentator Joe Rogan after ‘Rowdy’ questioned his combat sports expertise. Her response highlighted both her knowledge of MMA and her willingness to speak out on issues involving the sport’s top figures. The exchange underscores Valentina Shevchenko’s position as a leading voice in women’s MMA.

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