What Valentina Shevchenko vs. Weili Zhang Means for the UFC Flyweight Division
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The co-main event of UFC 322, Valentina Shevchenko vs. Weili Zhang is one of the most intriguing matchups in recent history. Zhang, after dominating the strawweight division, is moving up in weight to challenge one of the greatest champions the UFC has ever seen.
Beyond the excitement of this super fight, there are major implications for both the flyweight and strawweight divisions depending on how things play out. What happens if Valentina reigns supreme? What if Weili becomes the latest fighter to capture gold in a second division? Let’s dive in:
If Weili Zhang Wins:
A win for Weili Zhang would make her the latest two-division UFC champion, a rare accomplishment that would solidify her legacy as one of the all time greats. However, the immediate aftermath could get complicated.
Would Valentina Shevchenko get an immediate rematch? Given her status and résumé, it’s certainly possible. But a rematch could hold up the division, much like the trilogy with Alexa Grasso did through 2023 and 2024. That series kept the title tied up for nearly two years, delaying fresh matchups for rising contenders.
It could also follow a pattern similar to the Brandon Moreno and Deiveson Figueiredo saga. That had four fights between them. Where rematches were spread out with other contenders getting opportunities in between. In that case, the division could remain active and competitive while still respecting Shevchenko’s standing.
If Zhang decides to move back down or defend against a new contender, there’s no shortage of names waiting. Manon Fiorot recently dominated Jasmine Jasudavicius. That type of win cold have her knocking on the door of title contention with a new champion.
Erin Blanchfield and Tracy Cortez, who fight on the same night, could use a big performance to call for a title shot. Natália Silva, currently ranked No. 1, has already beaten two former champions in a row and seems more than ready for her moment.
If Valentina Shevchenko Wins:
If Shevchenko wins, the division remains under her control. She’s already one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, with seven consecutive title defenses during her first reign. Now 37 years old, she’s still proving she can evolve and stay at the top.
A win over Zhang would mark her second successful defense in her second run as champion. That would make nine total title defenses, an achievement that could tempt her to retire on top. If she did, it would open the door for a vacant title fight and a new era in the flyweight division.
However, Shevchenko might have other plans. A move up to bantamweight to challenge for that title would be historic for her too. She deserves a chance to chase legacy type fights if she wants. The bantamweight title had eluded her before the flyweight division was added to the UFC. But that would again leave flyweight without an active champion, and a vacant belt.
If she chooses to stay and continue defending, Natália Silva appears to be the most deserving contender. Again, Erin Blanchfield or Tracy Cortez could enter the conversation if one of them dominates impressively at UFC 322.
And while she’s been quieter in the title picture, Rose Namajunas remains a name that could easily find her way into the mix.
The Bigger Picture
No matter the results of Valentina Shevchenko vs. Weili Zhang, UFC 322’s co-main event will shape the women’s divisions for years to come. A Zhang victory could open the floodgates for superfights and crossover opportunities. While a Shevchenko win could signal the continuation, or conclusion, of one of the greatest title runs in MMA history.
Either way, the ripple effects will be felt far beyond the Octagon on fight night.
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