Shevchenko on meeting the president of Kyrgyzstan: ‘It charged me with more energy’
The UFC flyweight champion also talked about her week-long stay in Kyrgyzstan last month.
In April 2019, UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko visited her native Kyrgyzstan for the first time in several years. She arrived to a hero’s welcome, greeted by fighters, fans, and politicians alike.
During her stay in Kyrgyzstan, Shevchenko had the opportunity to meet with the president of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov. The Head of State congratulated Shevchenko on her victory and expressed his gratitude to coach Pavel Fedotov for helping her achieve such success. The President later invited Shevchenko to train annually in Kyrgyzstan and awarded her with the Dank Order for outstanding sporting achievements in the UFC.
“I had the opportunity to go to Kyrgyzstan,” Shevchenko said in a recent interview. “I stayed there only a week and it turned out amazing. The president himself accepted me. Also my people were happy to see the UFC champion’s belt, which charged me with even more energy.”
Shevchenko also met with Deputy Prime Minister Altynai Omurbekova and parliament speaker Dastanbek Jumabekov. She also took part in a press conference and fan Q&A session in Bishkek, which was attended by thousands of local fans.
Shevchenko is scheduled to defend her flyweight title at UFC 238 next month against Jessica Eye.