Overview
- Zhang Weili vacated the strawweight title to move up and challenge for Shevchenko’s flyweight belt in Saturday’s UFC 322 co-main event at Madison Square Garden.
- Shevchenko said she is keeping “steady energy” and taking a cold-minded approach to study and execution during fight week.
- Zhang cites tactical adaptability as her edge, describing a style that changes fight to fight and noting she feels energized by the lighter cut to 125 pounds.
- Sportsbooks now list Shevchenko as a slight favorite, and prop markets strongly favor over 4.5 rounds and the fight going the distance.
- The matchup features two highly accomplished champions, with Shevchenko able to tie Amanda Nunes’ UFC women’s record for title-fight wins and Zhang seeking two-division status.