UPDATE: Valentina Shevchenko has successfully defended her UFC flyweight championship, dominating former strawweight champion Zhang Weili in a stunning performance at UFC 322, held at Madison Square Garden on September 16, 2023. This victory not only solidifies Shevchenko’s status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world but also ties her with Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fight history, with 11 victories.
In a highly anticipated co-main event, Shevchenko (26-4-1) showcased her grappling prowess, winning every round on the judges’ scorecards against Zhang (26-4). Despite Zhang’s formidable reputation, the fight proved overwhelmingly one-sided, as Shevchenko executed a game plan that neutralized Zhang’s powerful striking.
“This is the art of martial arts,” Shevchenko declared 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 dominance was evident throughout the bout. She outlanded Zhang in total strikes, landing 137 to Zhang’s 80. Her wrestling was particularly effective, successfully converting five of six takedown attempts and accumulating an impressive 13:24 of control time. Zhang struggled to regain her footing, unable to mount any significant offense as Shevchenko dictated the pace and flow of the fight.
“I was prepared for the hardest challenge,” Shevchenko noted. “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.”
Looking ahead, the future is ripe with potential challengers for Shevchenko. Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva (19-5-1) stands out as a likely next opponent after her recent decision victory over Alexa Grasso. Additionally, Erin Blanchfield, who submitted Tracy Cortez at UFC 322, is also emerging as a contender.
Perhaps the most intriguing development is the potential matchup with defending bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, who is expected to face Amanda Nunes in early 2026. Should Harrison win, she has already expressed interest in challenging Shevchenko next, adding a tantalizing layer to the flyweight landscape.
Meanwhile, Zhang has vowed to return stronger, though she has yet to confirm whether she will stay at 125 pounds or revert to her previous weight class at 115.
As the mixed martial arts community buzzes with excitement over the latest developments, all eyes will be on Shevchenko as she prepares for her next title defense. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will step up to challenge this dominant champion in the coming months.
