TLDR
- Valentina Shevchenko withdrew from UFC 332 due to ligament damage in her shoulder and back
- Her coach revealed the extent of the injuries in early September 2026
- The former UFC champion was scheduled to fight Natalia Silva
- UFC management has expressed interest in hosting an event in Kyrgyzstan
- Shevchenko remains connected to her home country and the UFC organization
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | akipress.com
Former UFC champion Valentina Shevchenko has withdrawn from her scheduled fight at UFC 332 due to serious injuries, her coach confirmed this week. The fighter suffered ligament damage to both her shoulder and back, forcing her to pull out of the scheduled bout.
Shevchenko’s coach revealed the extent of the injuries on September 8, 2026. The damage to the ligaments in her shoulder and back required the fighter to step away from competition.
The former champion was scheduled to face Natalia Silva at UFC 332. The withdrawal marks a setback for Shevchenko, who has been one of the sport’s most active and successful fighters.
Details of the Injury
Ligament damage can be one of the most challenging injuries for combat sports athletes. The injuries affect both Shevchenko’s shoulder and back areas, which are critical for grappling and striking movements in mixed martial arts.
The timing of the injury and withdrawal came just days before the scheduled event. No timeline has been announced for Shevchenko’s return to competition.
Breaking: Valentina Shevchenko is no longer the women's flyweight champion due to injury and will be sidelined for up to a year, UFC announced on Saturday.
Natalia Silva will take on Wang Cong for the vacant title at UFC 332 in Salt Lake City on Oct. 3. pic.twitter.com/K9Svcay9Jh
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 5, 2026
Shevchenko has not publicly commented on the specific circumstances that led to the ligament damage. Her team has not provided details about whether the injury occurred during training or another activity.
UFC Interest in Kyrgyzstan Event
Despite the injury setback, Shevchenko shared positive news about the UFC’s interest in her home country. On September 6, 2026, the fighter revealed that UFC management has expressed interest in holding a tournament in Kyrgyzstan.
Shevchenko, who was born in Kyrgyzstan and remains connected to the country, made the announcement about the potential UFC event. The promotion has been expanding its international presence in recent years.
The former champion has been an ambassador for Kyrgyzstan in the sport of mixed martial arts. She has previously spoken at the opening ceremony of a kok boru tournament at the World Nomad Games.
Shevchenko delivered remarks about strength, courage and willpower as qualities that define true nomads. Her connection to Kyrgyzstan continues to be part of her public profile.
The UFC has not officially confirmed plans for an event in Kyrgyzstan. Shevchenko’s comments represent the first public indication of the promotion’s interest in the Central Asian nation.
No specific date or venue has been mentioned for a potential UFC event in Kyrgyzstan. The organization typically announces events several months in advance once plans are finalized.
Shevchenko’s injury withdrawal from UFC 332 means fans will have to wait to see her return to the octagon. The UFC has not announced a replacement opponent for Natalia Silva or whether the fight will be rescheduled once Shevchenko recovers from her shoulder and back injuries.
