Zhang Weili Faces Valentina Shevchenko for Flyweight Title at UFC 322 After Vacating Strawweight Belt
Zhang says a UFC policy compelled her to relinquish 115 pounds to pursue two-division status.
Overview
- The flyweight championship bout serves as the UFC 322 co-main event at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- MMA Fighting’s pound-for-pound list has Zhang ranked No. 1 and Shevchenko No. 2 entering the matchup.
- Zhang vacated after three consecutive defenses in her second strawweight reign, giving her four title defenses overall.
- Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant strawweight championship at UFC 321 by unanimous decision over Virna Jandiroba.
- Despite surrendering the 115-pound crown, Zhang displayed her former title on stage at the UFC 322 press conference, as other recent champions have also relinquished belts when moving divisions.