Valentina Shevchenko signs seven-fight extension with the UFC

Valentina Shevchenko has settled into the UFC pretty nicely. And now she has a brand new, long-term contract for her hard work.

Shevchenko signed a new, seven-fight extension with the UFC this week, her manager Roger Allen told MMA Fighting on Friday. UFC officials confirmed the news.

The Kyrgyzstan native is coming off a huge unanimous decision win over Holly Holm at UFC on FOX 20 last month. Shevchenko debuted with a split decision win over Sarah Kaufman last December before falling to now-champion Amanda Nunes by unanimous decision at UFC 196 in March.

Shevchenko (13-2) is a 17-time former Muay Thai world champion and one of the most decorated strikers in the UFC, male or female. The 28-year-old has lived in Peru for the last eight years, but also trains in Houston and Thailand often. Her only two pro MMA losses have come against Liz Carmouche and Nunes.

Most recently, Shevchenko has been campaigning for a rematch with Nunes, who won the UFC women's bantamweight title from Miesha Tate by first-round TKO at UFC 200 in July. "The Bullet" does not have her next fight booked yet.

@danawhite @seanshelby I will show you next level striking and turn up the heat on @Amanda_Leoa for a #KO at #MSG #UFC205 #readytodance

— Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) August 25, 2016

The 135-pound division is in flux right now. Julianna Pena has a claim as the No. 1 contender. The UFC is also banking on Ronda Rousey returning at some point and facing Nunes. Shevchenko has that win over Holm, who beat Rousey at UFC 193 last November, that she can hang her hat on moving forward.