UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko recently shared her controversial views on modern feminism during an extensive interview, arguing that the movement has evolved beyond its original purpose and now creates unnecessary conflict between men and women.
When asked about potential intergender matches in mixed martial arts, Shevchenko dismissed the idea entirely. “I think it’s wrong to hold such fights on a big stage,” she explained. “Despite the fact that I beat many guys technically and physically in training, on the big stage this is unacceptable. It’s against something physiological. When a person looks at it, inside it tells him that no, this is wrong.”
The champion expanded on her position regarding gender equality movements. “The word is terrible, I really don’t like it. This is the very pronunciation of the word,” Shevchenko said. “Earlier, when women fought for their rights, they really fought for their rights. So that they can master the same professions as men, attend universities, study art, and receive the same salary for their work. Now all this already exists.”
Shevchenko emphasized that women in combat sports have achieved equal standing. “Women are the same in martial arts. Main events, people and fans support them madly. They get the same amount of money, sometimes even more. So now it’s like, what is there to fight for? All of this already exists.”
According to the champion, modern feminism has taken an aggressive turn that contradicts its purpose. “This particular current has taken on a slightly different direction, more aggressive, a little more incorrect. Women have all the rights now. We should be happy about this, enjoy it, because the women who fought for this had a hard life, which is not hard for women now.”
Shevchenko believes harmony, not conflict, should define male-female relationships in sports and society. “These words create confrontation between man and woman, although it should be harmony, because one complements the other,” she stated. “When we see a fight card and both guys and girls fight, it’s much more interesting, much more diverse. Everyone is doing what they love, showing their art. It’s wonderful when one complements the other.”
The Kyrgyzstan-born star argued that conflict prevents progress. “Harmony is the most important thing, not conflict. Only harmony contributes to development. When there is a conflict, everything goes into decline.”
On the subject of sports competition, Shevchenko maintained her position that separate competition categories serve an important purpose. “Girls should compete with girls, and boys should compete with boys,” she said, despite acknowledging her success against male training partners.
Throughout the discussion, Shevchenko emphasized that current athletes should appreciate the opportunities available rather than continuing to frame gender relations as adversarial.
