The one factor Valentina Shevchenko could love greater than preventing is taking pictures.
When the reigning UFC flyweight world champion isn’t busy stacking our bodies contained in the Octagon, ‘Bullet’ likes to spend her time “discharging” some power through her big selection of firearms.
“I really like the weapons. For me, it’s far more than simply coming into the vary and discharging your power—it’s being a part of an enormous tradition,” Shevchenko advised The Schmo. “Weapons signify not solely firearms, but additionally human historical past. Each period had its personal weapons: knife, pistol, rifle. If you shoot not solely trendy weapons, however one thing like my Mosin rifle from 1935, you are feeling the historical past of humanity. It’s telling you a narrative in itself—that’s the feeling.
“I’ve about 20 or 30 weapons at house, and each time it is determined by my temper. If I’m within the temper to go shoot skeet, I take out my shotgun. One other day, I really feel like utilizing a handgun and I shoot the steels. It’s all about how you are feeling that day.”
Valentina Shevchenko likens MMA to taking pictures
Utilizing the Muay Thai and blended martial arts expertise she’s honed over time, Shevchenko repeatedly competes in IPSC, IDPA, and 3-Gun occasions.
“I relate firearms to blended martial arts as a result of MMA is the best trendy fight sport. It’s common,” she mentioned throughout a earlier look on The Ariel Helwani Present. “A fighter have to be expert in wrestling, Muay Thai, boxing, and kicking. Combining the most effective qualities of every self-discipline.
“It’s the identical with firearms and taking pictures sports activities. You search for one thing dependable, one thing that works each time, is comfy, and simple to make use of. There are such a lot of connections between the 2 that once I’m on the vary doing tactical taking pictures workouts, I really feel it additionally helps my martial arts coaching. It’s all the identical. All one.”
Shevchenko is recent off a dominant choice victory over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. What’s subsequent for ‘Bullet’ stays to be seen, however a champion vs. champion showdown with strawweight queen Zhang Weili appears to be the likeliest of eventualities.
