The only thing Valentina Shevchenko might love more than fighting is filming.
When the governing UFC flyweight world champion is not busy stacking up bodies inside the octagon, “bullets” like to spend time “ejecting” energy through her wide range of firearms.
“I love guns. For me, it’s not just going into range and draining your energy, it’s part of a huge culture,” Shevchenko told Schmo. “Guns represent not only firearms, but also human history. In every era, there were unique weapons, such as knives, pistols, rifles, etc. When you shoot not only modern guns, but something like my Mohshin rifle in 1935, you feel the history of humanity. It tells the story itself.
“I have about 20-30 guns at home. Every time I feel like I’m dependent on my mood. If I’m in the mood to film Skeet, I take out the shotgun. Another day, I want to use a handgun, and it’s the mood of the day.”
Valentina Shevchenko compares MMA to filming
Shevchenko regularly competes in IPSC, IDPA and three-gun events using Muay Thai and mixed martial arts skills that have been honed over the years.
“Because MMA is the biggest modern combat sport, I associate firearms with mixed martial arts. It’s universal,” she said in her appearance on Ariel Hellwanishaw. “Fighters must be skilled in wrestling, Muay Thai, boxing and kicking, combining the best qualities of each discipline.
“It’s the same with firearms and shooting sports. I’m looking for something that’s reliable, something that works every time, something that’s comfortable and easy to use. There’s so many connections between the two. When I’m doing tactical shooting exercises, I think it helps me train my martial arts. It’s all the same.”
Shevchenko is refreshing from the dominant decision victory over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. The next one after “Bullet” is still unseen, but the Champion vs Champion showdown with Straw Queen Zhang Weili seems to be the most likely scenario.