Zhang Weili Moves Up to Challenge Valentina Shevchenko for Flyweight Gold at UFC 322
After vacating the 115-pound belt, she chases two-division status with her future weight class still undecided.
Overview
- The matchup serves as UFC 322’s co-main event at Madison Square Garden beneath Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena.
- Zhang relinquished the strawweight title to pursue flyweight gold, and Mackenzie Dern captured the now-vacant 115-pound crown.
- She credits a calmer mindset and meditation during fight week, supported by new coaching inputs from Josh Hinger, Frank Hickman and Brad Riddell.
- Asked about returning to strawweight after the fight, Zhang said she would decide afterward, signaling no firm plans to move back down.
- Shevchenko enters as the long-reigning flyweight great highlighted for exceptional longevity and consistency, with this marking her 14th UFC title fight.