Female MMA News, Antonina Shevchenko Retires While UFC Gyms Expand Globally

March 29, 2028

Fourteen years is a long time in a female MMA career.

Just ask Antonina Shevchenko, she should know. What a milestone.

Antonina Shevchenko is a Kyrgyz and Peruvian retired Muay Thai fighter and mixed martial artist who competed in the women's Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Where the best meet the best.

She is the older sister of current UFC fighter and UFC Women's Flyweight champion, Valentina Shevchenko. You’ve certainly heard of her.

In terms of her retirement, the team at mmajunkie.usatoday.com posted on March 27, 2025, “Antonina, older sister of UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, announced her decision to hang up the gloves in a lengthy Instagram post Thursday. This decision comes nearly three years after her last UFC outing.”

Drum roll please.

Between 2003 and 2017 Antonina Shevchenko participated in 40 professional kickboxing and muay thai fights, winning 39 and losing only one, to Yulia Voskoboynik.

She won 4 gold medals and a single bronze and silver medal at the IFMA world championships, as well as a silver medal at the IFMA Royal World Cup. She is also the former WKC K1 and Muay Thai Champion, the former Phoenix FC Muay Thai Champion, and the former Lion Fight Muay Thai Champion with two title defenses.

Now that’s a lot. Extremely impressive.

We are certainly going to miss her.

Want to be closer to the action?

You can feel close to the action by being part of the UFC scene.

fcielitecompetitor.com fciwomenswrestling2.com grapplingstars.com, femcompetitor.com fciwomenswrestling.com Shutterstock-Nomad_Soul-photo-credit-.

Here is more important news.

UFC GYM® Sets the Stage for Unprecedented Global Expansion, Opening 45 Locations Worldwide in 2025

News provided by
UFC GYM

Feb 27, 2025, 08:05 ET

UFC GYM® is gearing up for an extraordinary 2025, opening more than 45 locations worldwide and increasing its global footprint to 42 total countries

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UFC GYM®, the groundbreaking extension of UFC®, will set a bold new standard for fitness in 2025, expanding its reach to new corners of the globe. As the fast-growing and dynamic brand continues to redefine the fitness and mixed martial arts industries, UFC GYM will open more than 45 locations worldwide this year, making its debut in Pakistan and Indonesia, and increasing its global footprint to 42 countries by year's end. The expansion will introduce UFC GYM to some of the world's most vibrant and rapidly evolving fitness markets, making its transformative fitness experience accessible to millions around the world.

From the heart of the U.S. to dynamic cities in North America, South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, UFC GYM is on a mission to deliver cutting-edge facilities, top-tier equipment and expert-led classes worldwide. As the brand continues its meteoric rise, UFC GYM is on track to open its 200th gym in 2025, spearheading a global fitness movement centered around innovation, community and mental empowerment. Among the highly anticipated new locations are: Be'er Sheva, Bat Yam and Gedera, Israel; Del Valle, Mexico; Centria Mall, Saudi Arabia; Manama, Bahrain; Berlin, Germany; Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Casablanca, Morocco; Guwahati, India; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Voronezh, Russia.

"We're witnessing a powerful shift, as more and more people are drawn to our "Train Different" philosophy," said Adam Sedlack, CEO of UFC GYM. "Our facilities are not just places to work out – they're transformative spaces where individuals challenge their limits, build their confidence and reinvent their approach to health and fitness. Every day we hear inspiring stories from our incredible members whose lives have been impacted by UFC GYM, both physically and mentally. Our mission is clear: to inspire people to become the best versions of themselves, pushing past barriers and realizing their full potential."

This year, UFC GYM will unveil its cutting-edge Brazilian Jiu-jitsu studios, featuring nearly 2,500 square feet of space dedicated to practicing the dynamic discipline. This bold new franchise concept will combine one of mixed martial arts' most popular practices, BJJ, with UFC GYM's elite programming, making it more accessible to a larger fitness community. BJJ delivers a full-body workout while also building character and mental resilience, helping practitioners carry lessons from the mat into everyday life. With the launch of these state-of-the-art studios, passionate coaches and franchisees will have the opportunity to offer more resources to members, while capitalizing on the explosive growth of this rapidly rising fitness trend to maintain a competitive edge. UFC GYM models, now ranging from 2,000 square feet to more than 50,000 square feet with the addition of the BJJ studios, are thoughtfully designed to give members the tools they need to embrace their fighting spirit and achieve their fitness goals.

UFC GYM recently agreed to an exclusive partnership with Alta Global Group, a pioneering technology company dedicated to transforming the landscape of martial arts and combat sports training, to integrate Alta's innovative products across UFC GYM's extensive network of global gyms. The Alta Warrior Training Program provides an unparalleled opportunity for members to train like UFC athletes, combining the world's best in MMA and fitness in a fresh and innovative way to train and get fit. The curated 20-week regimen culminates in an exhilarating, fully sanctioned amateur MMA bout, an unparalleled 'bucket list' experience.

UFC GYM continues to redefine what it means to be more than just a gym – it's an experience that empowers and inspires. This rapid international growth reflects the increasing demand for UFC GYM and a shift in the fitness industry, where members seek more than just traditional gym amenities.

"We see everyone, from those that want to engage in our empowering classes like yoga, boxing, BJJ and full body recovery centers, all the way to some of the world's best Zumba, cycle and boot camp formats in the industry," said Sedlack. "Our gyms are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and host some of the world's best coaches and fitness competitions."

For those inspired by UFC GYM's growth and vision, opportunities to become a part of the brand through ownership are also available. With locations already being developed across continents, joining the UFC GYM franchise provides entrepreneurs with the chance to be part of a global leader in the fitness industry. For franchising information, visit www.ufcgymfranchise.com or contact franchiseinfo@ufcgym.com. For more information and a list of locations, please visit www.ufcgym.com.

SOURCE UFC GYM
~ ~ ~
OPENING PHOTO Editorial-photo-credit-Artur-Didyk-Shutterstock fciwomenswrestling.com femcompetitor.com, fcielitecompetitor.com fciwomenswrestling2.com grapplingstars.com