Valentina Shevchenko has never been one to stay on one course. Following a strong showing inside the Octagon back at UFC 315, the flyweight champion has found herself stepping into a very different spotlight. Fans scrolling through her Instagram this week got a surprise look at her latest adventure, one that had little to do with belts or fight camps.
The 37-year-old star, known for her combat skills and poise, shared a series of behind-the-scenes photographs from her new project, The Terminal List. Set against the backdrop of Morocco, the photographs show a mix of beautiful landscapes and candid moments with the people around her.
Showing her admiration for the experience, she wrote in the caption, “Love to be a part of @terminallistpv! 👊👊👊 Morocco 🇲🇦” For the unaware, Valentina Shevchenko is part of the upcoming second season of Amazon Prime’s blockbuster thriller series The Terminal List, which is led by none other than Chris Pratt.
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The show, being rich in military intrigue and high-stakes action, seemed tailor-made for the Kyrgyz champion’s abilities. So, her caption surely indicated that the UFC queen is absolutely enjoying officially exchanging the cage for the camera, at least for the time being.
However, it is worth noting that ‘Bullet’ isn’t completely new to the screen. In 2021, she costarred with Halle Berry in the MMA movie Bruised, playing the role of a fierce rival in the MMA drama. That experience garnered her praise for adding authenticity to the film’s fight scenes.
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With a second major role on her resume, Valentina Shevchenko is combining her fighting legacy with an increasing interest in acting. After successfully defending her championship against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, she remains at the top of her division while expanding her horizons in Hollywood. Her Moroccan shoot echoes a broader trend in the combat sports world.
More fighters are combining their sports and entertainment careers, with Zhang Weili appearing in After Typhoon and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson playing Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. However, she will have to wrap up her side projects soon, as, unlike stars like Johnson, she has a major fight coming up. One that will decide the fate of the flyweight division.
Valentina Shevchenko to gear up for superfight against Zhang Weili
After cementing her dominance in the flyweight division and exploring a growing interest in acting, Valentina Shevchenko is refocusing on the challenge that has hovered over her career for years. Her recent behind-the-scenes peeks from Morocco revealed a fighter at ease in the spotlight outside of the Octagon, but that spotlight will soon return to its rightful position: inside the cage.
‘Bullet’ will find herself under the bright lights once again, with a title on the line against a familiar, fearsome opponent. The upcoming encounter will put her legacy and skill to the test against an equally accomplished opponent, reminding fans that Shevchenko’s reign is far from over.
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On November 15 at Madison Square Garden, Shevchenko will defend her flyweight title against Zhang Weili, who vacated her strawweight belt to move up in weight. The move speaks volumes: Weili is chasing more than another belt. She enters enemy territory with momentum and ambition, having won five fights in a row over Carla Esparza, Amanda Lemos, Xiaonan Yan, and Tatiana Suarez.
For Valentina Shevchenko, this fight is more than just another defense. It’s a battle for legacy, pitting her precision and championship composure against Weili’s relentless pressure and proven finishing ability. With Madison Square Garden as the stage, two dynasties will clash, and the outcome could determine this generation’s best female fighter.