Shevchenko vs Zhang Prediction
📢 The co-main event of UFC 322, set to take place on the night of November 15-16 at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York, promises an exciting bantamweight title clash. In the octagon, reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko will face two-time UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang, who is moving up in weight. Who will emerge victorious in this battle? Read our editorial's prediction!
Interesting Facts
- Shevchenko holds the top spot in the UFC women's pound-for-pound rankings, while Zhang is ranked second.
- Shevchenko has set the record for the most consecutive successful UFC title defenses by a female champion, with seven in a row.
- Zhang is a former two-time UFC strawweight champion, with four successful title defenses.
- Zhang is slightly shorter than Shevchenko (163 cm compared to 165 cm), but there is a significant reach difference between them (160 cm versus 169 cm).
H2H Stats Fights and Previous Results
Valentina Shevchenko Player Overview
Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1, Kyrgyzstan) is a 37-year-old striker, holding black belts in judo and taekwondo. Her nickname, "Bullet," perfectly encapsulates her fighting style. In late 2018, Valentina captured the UFC championship and went on to defend her title successfully seven times. However, in March 2023 at UFC 285, Shevchenko unexpectedly lost her championship status to Alexa Grasso via submission. In September 2024, on her third attempt, "Bullet" managed to defeat the Mexican fighter and reclaim her belt. In May 2025, at UFC 315 in Canada, Valentina successfully defended her title with a victory over French contender Manon Fiorot.
Match Results: Valentina Shevchenko
Weili Zhang Player Overview
Weili Zhang (26-3, China) is a 36-year-old former two-time UFC strawweight champion. In the world's top promotion, Weili has only lost to one opponent-Rose Namajunas-once by knockout and once by decision. In November 2022, Zhang reclaimed her title by submitting Carla Esparza. Since then, she has successfully defended her title three times. In February 2025, Weili decisively defeated the previously unbeaten Tatiana Suarez, demonstrating her readiness for new challenges, and decided to change divisions.
Match Results: Weili Zhang
Latest news
Valentina Shevchenko
Shevchenko on the upcoming fight:
"This is undoubtedly a very important fight for me, but I'm trying to distance myself from everything people are saying about it. You've known me long enough to understand my approach to fight preparation: I strive to clear my mind of everything happening around me. I know that winning will require complete dedication. Not half, not 90 percent, not even 98. It has to be 100 percent or more. That's why I'm giving my all in preparation. Every time, I think I'm facing the toughest challenge. If you think, 'Oh, she lacks strength, I'll be stronger,' that's the wrong mindset. You need to think you're facing the toughest fight; that's the right approach. Weili is, of course, an incredible, outstanding fighter with all the skills, but I'm going to give everything I have and then some to secure victory and remain the champion."
Weili Zhang
Zhang on the upcoming fight:
"I've been thinking about this fight for several years now. I don't know if I can take the belt from her, but it's going to be a battle. Regardless of the outcome, it's going to be amazing."
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Both athletes are elite and versatile fighters, boasting impressive speed, power, and technical skills both standing and on the ground. However, the key difference is likely to emerge in terms of physical strength and size. Valentina Shevchenko will have a clear advantage in this aspect, which could be the decisive factor against Zhang, who has yet to compete in the flyweight division and face the power of fighters in this category.