(Photos courtesy of UFC, by Getty Images)

When it comes to top-class mixed martial arts (MMA) events in Southeast Asia, Singapore is where the action’s at. In 2014, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier MMA organisation, held its first event in the Lion City, UFC Fight Night: Saffiedine vs Lim, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. That showcase featured Singapore’s own Royston Wee in his UFC debut and he went on to compete two more times for the promotion.

Three other events followed suit — UFC Fight Night Singapore: Holm vs Correia in 2017, UFC Fight Night Singapore: Cerrone vs Edwards in 2018 and UFC Fight Night: Maia vs Askren in 2019.

UFC 275: Teixeira vs Prochazka on 12 June marks the promotion’s return to the Lion City — and the first numbered pay-per-view event (featuring championship fights) in the region.

UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, who makes her seventh title defence against No. 4 contender Taila Santos at UFC 275, shares with Here to Play five reasons why everyone should get into the sport.

#1: MMA IS A FULL-BODY WORKOUT

In a safe and controlled environment, MMA is a dynamic workout that stimulates all parts of the mind and body, whether or not a participant engages in sparring. Beyond melting away fat, toning muscle and increasing strength, it can also boost metabolism and endurance levels.

Valentina, who has been practising MMA since she was five years old, says that the sport is the perfect style of fighting: “I started with taekwondo, followed by muay Thai, K-1 kickboxing and boxing. But MMA has everything — it’s not only about the hands or legs; the fighter must be prepared for every move, with every part of the body.” 

#2: MMA IS UNPREDICTABLE AND EXHILARATING

Participants can use different martial art skills to express themselves and push their limits in MMA. And because the nature of the sport is unpredictable, the underdog always has a chance of victory. For example, at UFC 269 in December 2021, Julianna Pena — in her very first title fight — trounced Amanda “Lioness” Nunes, recognised as the greatest female MMA fighter of all time with an unbeaten record since 2014.

Says Valentina, “Anything can happen. I really enjoy watching matchups between different styles of fighters, because it shows the beauty of martial arts, the techniques and the desire to win.”

Valentina, who overcame Jessica Andrade at UFC 261 in Florida in April 2021, believes that MMA reveals its true nature of mutual respect at the end of each fight.

#3: MMA BUILDS A GOOD ATTITUDE

MMA has evolved in the past 30 years to become a globally recognised sport, with clear rules and oversight that develop sportsmanship. While some athletes hype up their bouts with “trash talk”, the true nature of MMA is revealed at the end of the fight when both opponents offer each other a handshake, a high five or a hug.

According to women’s MMA pioneer Julie Kedzie, mutual respect is an innate aspect of the sport because the only person able to understand the sensation and emotion of being in the fight is your opponent.

Agrees Valentina, “MMA is a sport and it’s also martial arts; it’s about respect. I have made friends with many fighters and gym owners. We can go to different cities and have training partners everywhere.”

There is no room for mistakes in a fight, says Valentina, who trounced Lauren Murphy at UFC 266 in Las Vegas last September.

#4: MMA TRAINS YOUR BRAIN

Participating in an MMA fight requires developing strategy ahead of the match and problem-solving skills in the heat of the moment. Besides having a better command of techniques than your opponent, you must be better prepared mentally. “They might be slim but have power, or they might be bigger and have more reach — you can win if you have the right approach,” says Valentina. She adds that in a fight, there is no room for mistakes. “You have to focus and be in that moment. If you start enjoying the fans for one tiny second, you can lose.”

#5: MMA IS A RETURN TO ASIAN ROOTS

Martial arts have strong, 5,000-year-old roots in Asia and traditional styles like Japan’s jiu-jitsu and Thailand’s Muay Thai are strongly present in MMA. The mental and spiritual aspects of these traditional martial arts help shape participants’ attitudes and values.

Valentina takes a zen approach to competing. Pointing out that martial arts influence every aspect of her life, she says, “Some people have the goal of being a champion or defending their title for a certain number of times. To me, this is already like losing. It’s not just about achieving something — I embrace the whole process of martial arts. I live a life of martial arts and I’m enjoying it.”