‘I Am Leaving My Gloves In This Post’ UFC Veteran Announces Retirement

Forbes - Mar 27th, 2025

Antonina Shevchenko, the elder sister of reigning UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, has announced her retirement from mixed martial arts. The announcement came after the UFC made several roster cuts, including Antonina, who shared the news on her Instagram page. Known for her heartfelt connection with fans, Antonina expressed her gratitude and encouraged them to support her sister. Her decision to retire was anticipated, as she has not fought since her decisive victory over Cortney Casey in July 2022. Antonina, who has embraced a new career as a pilot and motherhood, leaves behind a respectable 10-4 record in MMA.

The retirement of Antonina Shevchenko marks the end of her eight-fight journey in the UFC, a career that, while not as illustrious as her sister's, still holds significant achievements and fanfare. Her departure from the sport comes at a time when Valentina is preparing to defend her title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315. The Shevchenko sisters have long been a prominent presence in the UFC, and Antonina's retirement underscores a shift in focus towards Valentina's ongoing career. This development highlights the challenges and transitions athletes face in balancing personal life with professional aspirations.

Ufc Dana White Retirement Antonina Shevchenko Valentina Shevchenko Mixed Martial Arts

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RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively covers Antonina Shevchenko's retirement from MMA and her transition to a new career, offering a clear and informative narrative. It accurately presents her career achievements and personal decisions, supported by credible sources, though it could benefit from more explicit citations. The piece maintains a balanced perspective, avoiding bias and sensationalism, while engaging readers interested in sports and athlete transitions. Its timeliness and public interest appeal are notable, though its broader societal impact is limited. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, providing valuable insights into an athlete's life beyond professional sports.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports Antonina Shevchenko's retirement from MMA, as verified by multiple sources. The factual claims regarding her career record, last fight, and future plans are consistent with available information. The article states that Shevchenko has a professional MMA record of 10-4 and a UFC record of 4-4, which aligns with the documented fight history. Her last fight victory over Cortney Casey in July 2022 is also correctly reported. The mention of her new career as a pilot and her recent motherhood is supported by her public statements and Instagram posts. However, the narrative could benefit from more direct quotes or references to primary sources to enhance verifiability, but the current information is precise and supported by credible references.

Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by focusing on both Antonina Shevchenko's career achievements and her personal life decisions post-retirement. It highlights her MMA record and notable fights while also acknowledging her choice to pursue a career as a pilot. The piece does not exhibit any apparent bias towards sensationalizing her career or retirement. However, it could have included more perspectives from industry experts or other fighters to provide a broader context on her impact in the sport. Overall, the article is fair in its portrayal of Shevchenko's career and life choices.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the key points of Antonina Shevchenko's retirement. The chronological presentation of her career highlights and personal decisions ensures a logical flow that aids comprehension. The tone is neutral and informative, avoiding sensationalism. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, such as the significance of her career achievements in the broader context of MMA. Overall, the article is accessible and straightforward, making it easy for readers to follow.

Source quality

The article appears to rely on credible sources such as Antonina Shevchenko's Instagram post for her retirement announcement. However, it lacks explicit attribution to these sources within the text, which could enhance its reliability. The use of photographs from reputable agencies like Getty Images adds to the credibility, but the article would benefit from more direct citations of interviews or statements from Shevchenko or UFC representatives. Including a variety of sources, such as industry analysts or sports journalists, could further strengthen the article's authority.

Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative of Antonina Shevchenko's retirement but lacks detailed transparency regarding the sources of its information. While it mentions her Instagram post, it does not provide a direct link or quote from the post. The lack of explicit citations or references to other media outlets or interviews reduces the transparency of the claim basis. Providing more background on the decision-making process or insights from Shevchenko's team would offer a more comprehensive understanding of the story's context.