Overview of Daniel Cormier TV — Valentina Shevchenko tells Daniel Cormier she is FASTER & STRONGER than Weili Zhang
This episode of Daniel Cormier TV (iHeartPodcasts / The Volume) is an interview with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. The conversation covers her multi-location training camp, fight preparation for the upcoming superfight with Zhang Weili, her approach to training and recovery, loyalty to her long-time coach and team, and a recent acting role. The episode includes multiple sponsor reads at the top and bottom.
Key topics discussed
- Valentina’s nomadic training camp and why she trains in multiple countries.
- Specific training locations and partners she worked with for this camp.
- How she prepared mentally and physically after her last title defense.
- Her view on Zhang Weili as an opponent and how Weili ranks among fighters she’s faced.
- Tactical evolution — using wrestling and grappling more in MMA.
- Training philosophy: balance between intensity and recovery; loyalty to a longtime coach.
- Personal life details: home base in Las Vegas, time on a boat in Puget Sound for recovery, and an acting cameo on Terminal List season 2 (episode 207).
Fight & training details
Training locations and partners
- Camp was spread across Thailand (Tiger Muay Thai), Morocco (several cities mentioned), Las Vegas (Andrada Muay Thai gym), El Paso, Texas, and New Jersey (Culture Gym with corner Richie Van Houten).
- Trained with a mix of local and UFC-level partners — she references sparring partners and names from her camp (transcript spelling varies).
- Cross-border training with partners from Ciudad Juárez who would come into El Paso to train with her.
Preparation and recovery
- After her last defense she recovered physically and mentally, spending roughly two months in the Puget Sound living aboard a boat (fishing, crabbing, relaxing) to restore energy.
- Emphasizes smart periodization: train hard when needed, but prioritize recovery and avoid overtraining (three-times-a-day myth).
- Credits longtime coach Pavel Fedotov (30+ years) for guiding training load and strategy.
Tactical approach for Zhang Weili
- Views Weili as a top-level, dangerous opponent — “an amazing fighter.”
- Clear confidence: “She’s fast, I’m faster. She’s strong, I’m stronger.”
- Stresses MMA requires adaptability; she doesn’t specialize only in striking or wrestling but uses tactics depending on the opponent and fight moment.
- Prefers not to underestimate any challenger; treats each new opponent as the biggest challenge.
Main takeaways
- Valentina’s preparation is intentionally diverse — training in different countries and gyms to stay refreshed, sharpen skills, and gain different perspectives.
- Recovery and balance are core to her longevity: smart training, measured intensity, and long-term coach-athlete loyalty have contributed to sustained success.
- She is confident going into the superfight with Zhang Weili, emphasizing speed and strength advantages while respecting Weili’s threat level.
- She’s multifaceted: elite athlete, outdoorsperson/boater, and now an actor (Terminal List S2 cameo).
Notable quotes
- “Martial arts for me, it's not the way just to get money... I am martial art. Not martial artist. I am martial art.”
- “She’s fast, I’m faster. She’s strong, I’m stronger.”
- On loyalty: she’s never switched teams and attributes that to responsibility and appreciation for the hard path she traveled to reach the UFC.
Action items / recommendations (from host)
- Follow Valentina on social channels to keep up with her career and activities.
- Watch her upcoming title defense at UFC (pay-per-view promoted in the episode).
- Check out her acting appearance: Terminal List, season 2, episode 207.
Episode context & extras
- The episode contains numerous sponsor messages (ZetBound, Zinn Nicotine Pouches, IBM, Grainger, iShares/BlackRock, Hard Rock Bet, Kraken, Degree Cool Rush, Toyota, etc.) before and after the interview.
- The host repeatedly encourages listeners to buy the pay-per-view for the fight weekend and to follow Valentina.
This summary distills the core interview content for someone who wants the essentials without listening to the full episode.