BREAKING: Valentina Shevchenko has just secured a decisive victory over Zhang Weili, successfully defending her 125-pound flyweight championship at UFC 322 held at Madison Square Garden in New York on August 12, 2023. This dominant performance not only cements her status as the world’s top pound-for-pound female fighter but also ties her with Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fights, now boasting 11 victories.
The fight, anticipated as one of the most significant matchups in women’s MMA, quickly turned one-sided. Shevchenko (26-4-1) outclassed Zhang (26-4) by winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards. The action revealed Shevchenko’s strategic brilliance as she neutralized Zhang’s offense, showcasing her grappling superiority and tactical striking throughout the bout.
“I was prepared for the hardest challenge,” Shevchenko stated post-fight, emphasizing her focus on distance and wrestling to counter Zhang’s renowned punching power. UFC Stats reflected this dominance, showing Shevchenko landing 137 total strikes compared to Zhang’s 80, while executing five takedowns with a control time of 13:24.
Zhang Weili, who moved up from the strawweight division for this clash, expressed her determination to come back stronger but did not clarify her future plans regarding weight class. Meanwhile, Shevchenko’s next challengers are already emerging, with Brazilian Natalia Silva (19-5-1) and Erin Blanchfield among the potential contenders. Silva is fresh off a decisive win against Alexa Grasso, while Blanchfield submitted Tracy Cortez at the same event.
Perhaps most intriguing is the prospect of defending bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison challenging Shevchenko should she successfully defend her title against Amanda Nunes in early 2026. This potential matchup could reignite a rivalry as Shevchenko has previously fought Nunes for the bantamweight title.
The immediate future is buzzing with possibilities for Shevchenko, who continues to elevate women’s MMA. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as she plans her next steps following this emphatic title defense.
Stay tuned for updates on Shevchenko’s journey and the latest developments in the UFC as this story unfolds.
