Valentina Shevchenko is pushing for the UFC to stage its first event in Kyrgyzstan, and she says the idea has already reached promotion leadership.
Shevchenko made the statement to journalists during the World Nomad Games at Issyk-Kul, according to Sport AKIpress. The timing gives the idea extra visibility just days after the UFC flyweight picture shifted again, with Zhang Weili and Shevchenko's title history still part of the wider 125-pound conversation around the promotion.
Her full public statement, translated from Russian, centered on getting both sides to finish an agreement rather than announcing a completed UFC deal.
“I really want the UFC to hold a tournament in Kyrgyzstan. For my part, I have already done everything. UFC leadership supported my idea; they are fully interested. I hope the organizers on both sides can reach an agreement, and we will see the UFC in Kyrgyzstan.”
Shevchenko Pushes UFC Toward Central Asia
The important caveat is that UFC has not publicly announced a Kyrgyzstan event. Kursiv's English report on the same remarks also noted that the promotion has not confirmed the talks, so this remains Shevchenko describing interest and discussions rather than an official booking.
A Kyrgyzstan event would still be a meaningful regional step for the company. Shevchenko was born in Frunze, now Bishkek, and has regularly tied her combat-sports identity to Kyrgyzstan while competing internationally. She also has recent MiddleEasy context around preparation and timing, including her response after Maycee Barber's withdrawal.
The country already has active UFC representation through fighters such as Myktybek Orolbai and Uran Satybaldiev, while Shevchenko remains the most globally recognized Kyrgyz-born name connected to the promotion.
Shevchenko has floated Kyrgyzstan around UFC business before, including after the Alexa Grasso trilogy dispute when she called for another title fight in the country. This latest statement is narrower: she says she raised the event idea herself and believes UFC leadership is interested, while the actual agreement is still unfinished.
