Zhang Weili Steps Up to Face Valentina Shevchenko for Flyweight Title at UFC 322

Overview

• The title fight is set for Nov. 15 at Madison Square Garden, with Shevchenko defending against the former strawweight champion in a bout billed as a pound-for-pound No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup.
• Zhang vacated her 115-pound belt to chase a second division, and Mackenzie Dern captured the vacant strawweight title.
• Zhang describes a calm fight-week mindset and says meditation helps her maintain focus during a heavy media schedule.
• She credits Josh Hinger for jiu-jitsu, Frank Hickman for wrestling, and Brad Riddell for striking insights that have expanded her game.
• Asked whether she will return to strawweight after UFC 322, Zhang declined to commit and said, "we'll see."