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Shevchenko Defends Flyweight Title vs. Zhang in UFC 322 Co-Main at Madison Square Garden

Zhang Weili vacated the strawweight title to chase flyweight gold, raising rare two-division stakes.

Overview

  • The women's flyweight championship will be contested tomorrow as the UFC 322 co-main event in New York.
  • Valentina Shevchenko enters as the long-reigning 125-pound titleholder with seven successful defenses and recent wins over Alexa Grasso and Manon Fiorot, according to the preview.
  • Zhang Weili arrives after going 6–2 in strawweight title fights, winning five straight since her second loss to Rose Namajunas, and relinquishing the 115-pound belt for this opportunity.
  • Recent coverage focuses on finances with estimates that include Shevchenko’s roughly $5 million net worth and a reported $1.267 million payout at UFC 285, while Zhang’s brand deals with Estée Lauder, Under Armour, Hyperice and Audi accompany reports of a $2 million UFC 300 purse and a base near $500,000.
  • An Empire Sports Media preview predicts Zhang by decision, citing speed and timing in what many describe as a closely matched superfight with legacy implications.