Chael Sonnen urges Valentina Shevchenko to drop the "nice girl act" after UFC 315 title defence
Retired UFC fighter and analyst
Chael Sonnen
has complained about UFC
Women's Flyweight Champion
Valentina Shevchenko's public persona despite her dominant performance at
UFC 315
.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Chael Sonnen is of the opinion that 'The Bullet' has all it takes to be a mainstream star but lacks in marketing herself to the fans as she does not embrace her so-called natural 'heel' character, according to him.
Sonnen believes Shevchenko should embrace a villainous persona
Valentina Shevchenko defended her flyweight strap against Manon Fiorot by unanimous decision on May 10, 2025, at UFC 315, Montreal, thus extending her legendary career.
After UFC 315, Chael Sonnen was a little sceptical about the way in which Valentina Shevchenko behaves in public, saying that her attempts to appear as a 'nice girl' are against what he thinks she really is.
In his YouTube channel, Chael Sonnen said that Valentina Shevchenko is more of a heel, or a villain in the world of MMA storytelling.
Chael has a Problem with Valentina Shevchenko…
The former UFC fighter and commentator contended that
Valentina Shevchenko
's glorious background (fluency in seven languages, elite martial arts credentials, and alleged military training) provides a much more compelling picture than her current image. Chael Sonnen believes that an athlete like her, who has been dominant in several combat disciplines and hails from a family of fighters, does not need to start to soften her public image to appeal to the fans or increase her legacy.
Record-breaking champion faces potential super fight opportunity
Although Sonnen puts her marketing strategy under attack, Valentina Shevchenko keeps breaking records in the octagon. At 37, she was the oldest fighter to defend a title in the middleweight division after her UFC 315 win. This accomplishment put her in the ranks of the best, as she became the sixth fighter in UFC history to win ten title fights.
The champion is now staring at a career-defining opportunity as UFC Women's Strawweight Champion
Zhang Weili
publicly challenges her after UFC 315.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Weili, who outpointed Tatiana Suarez in February, seems to be prepared to go up in weight to become a double-champion.
"Congratulations to the champion. It has all come together perfectly, it's destiny,' Zhang Weili said on Instagram after the Valentina Shevchenko victory.
Fans can watch the post-fight interview with Valentina Shevchenko and see the highlights of UFC 315 on the official UFC YouTube channel and UFC Fight Pass streaming service.
Also Read:
Despite criticism of her public persona, Valentina Shevchenko's in-ring dominance continues cementing her legacy as one of the greatest female fighters in
mixed martial arts
history.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
14 hours ago
- First Post
Controversy erupts as UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov refuses handshake with presenter Kate Abdo due to 'Muslim beliefs'
UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov's decision to decline a handshake from sports presenter Kate Abdo has led to a massive controversy with online users calling out his behaviour as 'misogynist'. read more A massive controversy has erupted online after Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) legend and former professional mixed martial arts champion Khabib Nurmagomedov refused to shake hands with CBS Sports presenter Kate Abdo, live on TV, after the . Kate Abdo, who is now known as Kate Scott after her marriage to professional boxer Malik Scott, was presenting the post-match show on CBS Sports alongside former footballers Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and YouTuber IShowSpeed, when Russian Nurmagomedov joined the broadcast. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Unaware of Nurmagomedov's religious beliefs, Kate offered him a handshake, which he declined by holding his hand to his chest. Kate was quick to offer an apology and moved on with the show. More from Football Why did Khabib Nurmagomedov refuse Kate Abdo's handshake? The 36-year-old Nurmagomedov is a devout Sunni Muslim. As per Islam, a person is not allowed to touch a member of the opposite gender if they are not related to each other. Earlier in 2020, MMA fighter Cynthia Calvillo had revealed that Nurmagomedov refused to train with her because of the difference in their gender. 'It's a little bit weird because of their religion… they won't train with women," she had said. '(Khabib) is still showing technique and stuff like that. So I still get to watch it. 'But it doesn't bother me … because they're not really being directly rude to me.' Nurmagomedov handshake act causes controversy Nurmagomedov's refusal to shake hands with Kate, however, led to a controversy on social media as a few users termed the behaviour as 'misogynist'. 'At the Champions League final Russian Muslim Khabib Nurmagomedov @TeamKhabib refused to shake the hand of Kate Scott. She even apologised to the backward, misogynist, former MMA fighter,' a user remarked. At the Champions League final Russian Muslim Khabib Nurmagomedov @TeamKhabib refused to shake the hand of Kate Scott. She even apologised to the backward, misogynist, former MMA fighter. — David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) June 2, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'That didn't seem respectful. Forget about the handshake, he even ignored her and didn't even greet and acknowledge her until she put her hand out,' wrote another user. Nurmagomedov retired from UFC in 2021 as the reigning lightweight champion and with an undefeated record of 29-0. He is the longest-reigning UFC lightweight champion of all time.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Awkward on-air moment as Khabib Nurmagomedov snubs CBS Sports host's handshake
Image Source: Getty Images During the 2025 Champions League final, something unexpected happened on live TV. UFC superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov kindly declined a handshake from CBS Sports anchor Kate Scott, which was captured after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Inter Milan 5-0. Khabib's decision was rooted in his Muslim faith, and both his team and Scott also pointed out that his lack of a handshake was different from celebrating with the PSG players after the match. Khabib Nurmagomedov's respectful refusal sparks debate In June 2025, the Champions League final took place at the Allianz Arena in Germany and PSG won 5-0 over Inter Milan. As usual, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and host Kate Scott led the coverage of the game on CBS Sports.. After the match, Khabib Nurmagomedov and streamer IShowSpeed joined them on the field. Khabib happily shook hands with the male hosts but gently declined Scott's handshake, placing his hand on his chest instead. This is because, as a devout Muslim, his faith does not allow touching unrelated women. Scott apologized on air and kept things friendly. On X, some fans praised Khabib, with one saying, 'Khabib stayed true to his beliefs, respect.' Others thought he could have greeted Scott better, as one user noted, 'He didn't even look at her at first.' The moment got people talking about faith and respect. Kate Scott's professionalism shines through Kate Scott stayed calm and professional despite the awkward moment, winning fans' hearts. She quickly said sorry on air and moved the talk back to PSG's big win, their first Champions League title. Khabib, a huge PSG fan, was thrilled to be there with his friend, UFC fighter Islam Makhachev. They even took pictures with PSG player Achraf Hakimi and the trophy. Also Read : UFC Fans get divided as new training video of middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev goes viral ahead of the title bout at UFC 319 This wasn't the first time Khabib's faith shaped how he acts. In 2020, UFC fighter Cynthia Calvillo said Khabib doesn't train directly with women because of his beliefs, but he still shares tips kindly. Scott's smooth handling of the situation kept the show fun and focused on football. The Champions League final was a huge night for PSG, but Khabib's moment with Scott got everyone's attention. His faith as a Sunni Muslim guides him to avoid physical contact with women he's not related to, as noted by Muslim cultural sources.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Maycee Barber issues statement after late withdrawal from UFC Vegas 107 headliner
Maycee Barber breaks silence on UFC Vegas 107 medical emergency UFC women's flyweight contender Maycee Barber addressed her last-second withdrawal from the UFC Vegas 107 main event against Erin Blanchfield . The headlining bout was abruptly canceled on Saturday night, May 31, after Barber suffered a medical emergency moments before walking to the Octagon. According to the UFC broadcast team, confusion erupted after the final pre-fight promo aired and neither fighter made the customary walkout. Moments later, UFC officials confirmed Barber had experienced a medical issue in the locker room. The scheduled flyweight bout was called off, and Barber was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Also read: Maycee Barber pulled from UFC main event, Blanchfield slams her; here's what went wrong by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Charlie Sheen's Ex-Wife? You Won't Believe What She Looks Like Now! Click Here Undo In a post shared on Instagram on Sunday, Barber issued her first public statement since the cancellation. 'Thank you to everyone for the prayers & support,' she wrote. 'I owe an apology to the UFC, Mick Maynard, Dana White , Sean Shelby, and Erin Blanchfield.' Barber added that she and her team are working to identify the cause of the medical incident and have not indicated plans to withdraw from the flyweight division. Live Events Erin Blanchfield reacts to canceled UFC Vegas 107 bout Blanchfield, also a top-five contender in the UFC women's flyweight rankings, expressed disappointment in the aftermath of the canceled main event. Hours earlier, she had publicly questioned whether Barber would follow through with the fight. In her own post-fight remarks, Blanchfield criticized Barber's professionalism, referencing Barber's earlier failure to make weight. Barber missed the flyweight limit by 1.5 pounds during weigh-ins, the first time in her UFC career she failed to hit the target. Blanchfield declined to commit to an immediate rescheduling of the fight. She instead encouraged Barber to consider a permanent move to the bantamweight division. UFC officials have not confirmed whether the bout will be rebooked. Also read: Michael Chandler hints at January 2026 UFC return fight with Conor McGregor UFC Vegas 107 fight week marred by cancellations and weight misses The cancellation of the Barber vs. Blanchfield headliner capped a tumultuous UFC Vegas 107 fight week. Multiple fighters failed to make weight, including Allan Nascimento, who went on to defeat Jafel Filho by unanimous decision. Another scheduled bout between welterweights Andreas Gustafsson and Trevin Giles was canceled after Giles reportedly sustained a head injury while cutting weight. Gustafsson has since been rescheduled to face Khaos Williams at UFC 316 in Newark. Barber had been set to make her first appearance since defeating former title challenger Katlyn Cerminara at UFC 299. Her withdrawal marked one of the most abrupt main event cancellations in recent UFC history. Also read: Jordan Leavitt puts opponent to sleep in 99 seconds at UFC Vegas 107 No replacement bout was scheduled following the cancellation, and UFC Vegas 107 concluded without a main event.
