Valentina Shevchenko, one of the most dominant women in UFC history, follows a strict Soviet-inspired rule: no water during training. While most modern athletes hydrate regularly, Shevchenko believes fluid intake disrupts the body’s rhythm during peak performance.
“I don’t drink water during training. Afterward, yes. But during? Never,” Shevchenko explained, citing Soviet-era sports science. She insists that a body must operate “like a clock,” and believes that hydration mid-workout interferes with focus and precision.
She’s so committed to this method, she enforced it on her team during The Ultimate Fighter Season 32. Shevchenko says it’s not just about hydration—it’s about mental discipline and conditioning under stress.
But this philosophy doesn’t come without pushback. Modern experts, like fight nutritionist Jordan Sullivan, argue that training while dehydrated increases fatigue, hinders performance, and raises injury risk. Still, Shevchenko remains unshaken.
And it’s hard to argue with her résumé. The Kyrgyz striker is a two-time UFC flyweight champion with wins over legends like Joanna Jędrzejczyk, Jéssica Andrade, Holly Holm, and Lauren Murphy. Her discipline and unconventional habits may seem outdated—but they’ve delivered results that speak volumes.
As UFC 316 looms, fighters like Shevchenko continue proving there’s more than one road to greatness—even if it’s a thirsty one.
