Shevchenko Dominates Zhang to Secure UFC Flyweight Title Defense
Valentina Shevchenko delivered an impressive performance against Zhang Weili, asserting her dominance in the UFC flyweight division. This highly anticipated superfight took place at UFC 322 on Saturday night, held at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Shevchenko successfully defended her women’s flyweight title with a unanimous decision victory, with all three judges scoring the bout 50-45 in her favor.
Fight Overview
Zhang Weili, a former two-time strawweight champion, made her debut in the flyweight category during this match. Despite her efforts, she was unable to secure a second championship title. Coming into the fight, Shevchenko and Zhang held the No. 1 and No. 2 rankings in the women’s pound-for-pound list, respectively.
Statistical Highlights
- Total Strikes Landed: Shevchenko 137, Zhang 80
- Takedowns Successfully Completed: Shevchenko 5 of 6
- Control Time: Shevchenko 13:24
Shevchenko’s physical advantages played a crucial role throughout the fight. She effectively utilized her size, dominating Zhang in both stand-up exchanges and grappling. This victory marks Shevchenko’s fourth consecutive unbeaten match, solidifying her status as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history.
Current Rankings and Future Prospects
The 37-year-old Shevchenko has successfully defended her 125-pound title twice since reclaiming it from Alexa Grasso in September 2024. Meanwhile, Zhang’s loss ended her five-fight winning streak. Before this bout, she had not faced defeat since a split-decision loss in a rematch with Rose Namajunas in November 2021.
Earlier this year, Zhang vacated her strawweight title to embark on her flyweight journey and challenge Shevchenko. It is worth noting that Mackenzie Dern won the vacant strawweight championship against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321 in October. Following the fight, Zhang did not confirm whether she would return to the strawweight category.
