Zhang Weili wants showdown with Valentina Shevchenko for Flyweight title

10 December 2022

Zhang Weili has big goals for herself after winning back the UFC strawweight championship. A hypothetical super fight between the newly crowned champion and flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko is now being considered.

Speaking during her appearance on MMA Hour, the Chinese MMA star noted that a battle with Shevchenko is something that she looks forward to. While she is not certain about the result of the fight, Zhang is confident about delivering a show for the MMA fans.

“Yes. It’s a must, for sure. No question. I thought about this a couple of years back. Eventually, we will run into each other in the Octagon because the weight divisions are so close. I don’t know for sure if I’ll take the belt away from her, but one thing I can guarantee is it’s going to be a banger if me and the champ get in the Octagon. It will be a great performance, regardless of the outcome,” (h/t MMA Fighting).

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Zhang (23-3) is presently on a two-fight winning run after defeating Esparza. Shevchenko (23-3) hasn't competed since defeating Taila Santos via unanimous decision at UFC 275 in June.

Shevchenko is currently ahead of Zhang in the women's pound-for-pound rankings. Following her victory in New York, Mark Zuckerberg commented on her Instagram post, expressing his hope that Shevchenko would be the next.

A potential showdown between Valentina Shevchenko and Rose Namajunas were also in the discussions a few months back. A champion vs. champion showdown between Zhang and Shevchenko is likely to be the way forward for UFC although there are no official talks regarding the potential matchup.

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What will happen when Valentina Shevchenko fights Zhang Weili? Let us know in the comments below.