Ukrainian fighter Kateryna Shakalova is preparing for her biggest MMA challenge yet as she advances to the semifinals of the PFL 2025 World Tournament. The accomplished athlete will face Jena Bishop in a highly anticipated June matchup that could propel her career to new heights.
Shakalova's journey in combat sports began early in her childhood when she first enrolled in wrestling classes. Her passion for martial arts eventually led her to grappling, where she achieved remarkable success as a six-time world champion.
"Transitioning from freestyle wrestling to grappling was challenging," Shakalova revealed in a recent interview. "In grappling, you use chokeholds and joint locks, while freestyle wrestling focuses solely on throws. It wasn't easy, but grappling gave me tremendous momentum in MMA. I learned strong defensive skills and how to effectively apply submission techniques."
Interestingly, as a child, Shakalova idolized Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Irina Merleni. However, her perspective on having sports heroes changed significantly as she progressed in her own career.
"When I started meeting high-level athletes in person, I realized that creating idols for yourself isn't a good idea," she explained. "Not everyone is as perfect as they appear in interviews or on television. You should be your own idol. It's your story—and you shouldn't try to measure up to someone else."
According to Statbet analysts, Shakalova's submission skills make her a formidable opponent in the upcoming semifinal, with her grappling background potentially providing the edge she needs against Bishop's fighting style.
Shakalova's dedication to sports has shaped her life choices, including the decision to leave music school just one year before graduation. When faced with choosing between completing her musical education or attending a boarding school in Kharkiv, she chose the latter, believing it offered better prospects for her athletic future.
With the semifinal bout scheduled for June, Ukrainian MMA fans are eagerly anticipating what could be another milestone in Shakalova's increasingly impressive fighting career.
