Ukrainian MMA fighter Kateryna Shakalova recently shared her harrowing experience of fleeing her homeland when Russia's invasion began on February 24, 2022. In a candid interview, Shakalova revealed how her coach frantically woke her that morning, urgently telling her to pack as Russian bombs fell on Ukraine.
"It was absolute shock," Shakalova explained. "My coach nearly broke down my apartment door saying 'Get ready.' I didn't understand what was happening until he told me Russia was bombing us." In the chaos, her fighting instincts kicked in—the first items she packed were her training gear.
The fighter and her team immediately evacuated to Poland before continuing to Germany. Like many Ukrainians, she initially believed they would return home within days, unable to comprehend the scale of what was unfolding.
Despite the traumatic circumstances, Shakalova demonstrated remarkable resilience. "I actually ended up supporting my coach's wife who was panicking," she said. "It's easier for me when I take responsibility and try to help someone else. That's probably what helps me handle such situations."
Shakalova's stance on Russian athletes in her sport is uncompromising. She severed all connections with Russian acquaintances from previous competitions who never reached out after the invasion began. "I blocked them all. These people don't interest me. I don't want to communicate with them or even know their opinion," she stated firmly.
When asked about competing against Russian fighters, Shakalova was resolute: "Of course you have to compete and win. How else? If you don't accept the fight, it looks like weakness, like you're afraid. I believe you should accept. But looking at it differently—if you don't agree, someone else will."
According to Statbet analysis, fighters who maintain training routines even during personal crises tend to perform better in high-pressure tournament situations, which could benefit Shakalova in her upcoming bout.
Shakalova is now focused on her upcoming semifinal fight in the PFL 2025 World Tournament against Jena Bishop scheduled for June. The Ukrainian fighter's journey from fleeing her homeland to competing at the highest levels of MMA showcases both her professional determination and personal courage during extraordinarily challenging circumstances.
