Valentina Shevchenko Dominates Zhang Weili to Retain UFC Flyweight Title

UPDATE: In an electrifying showdown, Valentina Shevchenko decisively defended her 125-pound flyweight championship against former strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 322 in New York on Saturday night. Shevchenko’s dominant performance solidifies her status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world.

Shevchenko (26-4-1) achieved a significant milestone by tying Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fight history, with 11 victories. The fight, held at Madison Square Garden, was highly anticipated, marked as one of the biggest matchups in women’s MMA. Zhang (26-4) moved up in weight class to challenge Shevchenko after vacating her 115-pound title.

The bout turned out to be one-sided, with Shevchenko winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards. She showcased her grappling prowess, landing 137 total strikes to Zhang’s 80 and successfully completing five of six takedown attempts. Shevchenko’s control time reached an impressive 13:24, neutralizing Zhang’s offense throughout the fight.

“This is the art of martial arts,” Shevchenko stated post-fight. “When there is an opponent who is super hard in their weight class against all other opponents, but when they are here, in front of me, they can’t do anything.” This statement reflects her strategic mastery and confidence in the octagon.

Shevchenko’s tactical approach paid off as she expertly managed distance and timing, using her wrestling to dominate Zhang on the ground. “I was prepared for the hardest challenge,” Shevchenko added. “I knew I couldn’t exchange with Weili; she has super punching power. That’s why I was working very hard and smart to use distance and wrestling.”

The fight has created intriguing possibilities for Shevchenko’s next title defense. Potential challengers include Natalia Silva (19-5-1), who recently defeated Alexa Grasso, and Erin Blanchfield, who submitted Tracy Cortez on the same night. However, the most compelling matchup could be against defending bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, who is expected to face Nunes in early 2026. Should Harrison win, she has expressed interest in facing Shevchenko next.

Meanwhile, Zhang is determined to bounce back but has not confirmed whether she will remain at 125 pounds or return to her previous weight class. “I will come back strong,” she promised during the post-fight interview.

The outcome of this fight has significant implications for the future of women’s MMA, and fans are eager to see what unfolds next in both the flyweight and bantamweight divisions. Stay tuned for updates as these exciting developments continue to evolve.