UPDATE: Valentina Shevchenko has decisively retained her UFC flyweight championship, dominating former strawweight champion Zhang Weili in a highly anticipated matchup at UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden on October 21, 2023. The victory solidifies Shevchenko’s position as the top pound-for-pound female fighter in the world.
Shevchenko (26-4-1) showcased her superior grappling and striking skills, winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards. She tied the legendary Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fight history with 11 victories. The fight was expected to be a fierce battle, but Shevchenko’s performance was overwhelmingly one-sided.
In a bold move, Zhang Weili (26-4) vacated her 115-pound title earlier this year to challenge Shevchenko at flyweight, but her plans unraveled quickly. “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.”
Shevchenko’s tactical approach paid off, as she outlanded Zhang in total strikes, 137-80, and executed five successful takedowns out of six attempts. She controlled the fight with a staggering 13:24 of control time, effectively neutralizing Zhang’s offensive capabilities. “I knew I couldn’t exchange with Weili; she has super punching power,” Shevchenko added, emphasizing her strategic preparation.
Looking ahead, Shevchenko’s future in the octagon remains intriguing. Potential challengers loom, including Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva (19-5-1), who recently won a decisive match against Alexa Grasso. Erin Blanchfield also emerged as a contender after her submission victory over Tracy Cortez at UFC 322.
Perhaps the most captivating matchup on the horizon involves defending bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. Harrison is set to defend her title against Nunes in early 2026. If Harrison secures victory, she has expressed a desire to face Shevchenko, adding another layer of excitement to the flyweight division. Notably, Shevchenko has previously fought at bantamweight and challenged Nunes for the title back in 2016.
As for Zhang, she remains resolute in her comeback plans, though she has yet to confirm whether she will stay at flyweight or return to her previous weight class. The MMA world will be watching closely as both fighters look to make their next moves.
This decisive victory not only strengthens Shevchenko’s legacy but also raises the stakes for upcoming matchups in women’s MMA, making it a thrilling time for fans and fighters alike. Stay tuned for further developments in this fast-moving landscape of the UFC!
