Valentina Shevchenko Retains Title, Dominates Zhang at UFC 322

UPDATE: Valentina Shevchenko has decisively retained her 125-pound flyweight championship by shutting out Zhang Weili at UFC 322 held at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night. In a fight that showcased Shevchenko’s dominance, she outclassed the former strawweight champion across five rounds, solidifying her status as the top female fighter in the world.

The fight was a highly anticipated clash, as Zhang (26-4) vacated her 115-pound title to challenge Shevchenko (26-4-1), marking a significant move in women’s mixed martial arts. However, the bout proved overwhelmingly one-sided, with Shevchenko winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards.

“This is the art of martial arts,” Shevchenko stated post-fight. “When there is an opponent who is super hard in their weight class against all other opponents, but when they are here, in front of me, they can’t do anything.”

Shevchenko displayed her grappling prowess, executing five out of six takedown attempts and controlling the fight on the ground for an impressive 13:24 of total control time. Her striking was equally effective, landing 137 total strikes to Zhang’s 80, showcasing her ability to dictate the pace and distance of the fight.

“I was prepared for the hardest challenge,” Shevchenko said. “I knew I couldn’t exchange with Weili; she has super punching power. That’s why I was working very hard and smart to use distance and wrestling.”

With this victory, Shevchenko ties Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fight history at 11. The implications for her future are significant as several contenders are eyeing a shot at the title. Brazilian fighter Natalia Silva (19-5-1), coming off a win over Alexa Grasso in May, is a strong candidate for the next title fight. Additionally, Erin Blanchfield, who secured a submission victory at UFC 322, is also in the mix.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is expected to defend her title against Nunes in early 2026. If Harrison prevails, she has already expressed interest in facing Shevchenko, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown. Shevchenko has previously competed at bantamweight, adding another layer of excitement to this potential matchup.

As for Zhang, she vowed to return stronger but did not confirm if she would stay at 125 pounds or return to her former weight class.

This latest fight at UFC 322 not only highlights Shevchenko’s continued dominance but also sets the stage for an exciting future in women’s MMA. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the developments in this evolving landscape.

Stay tuned for updates as the next chapter in Shevchenko’s legacy unfolds.