MMA Match Preview: (Title Fight) Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) vs. Zhang Weili (26-3)

Venue & Timing

Event: UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Main Card Start: 10:00 PM ET (ESPN+ PPV)

Co-Main Event Walkouts: Approx. 8:45 PM ET

Injury Report

Valentina Shevchenko: No reported injuries; cleared after her trilogy win over Alexa Grasso and title defense vs. Manon Fiorot.

Zhang Weili: No reported injuries; healthy after dominant strawweight title defenses in 2024–25.

Fighter Matchups

Valentina Shevchenko:

Style: Muay Thai counter-striker, elite grappling defense.

Strengths: Precision striking, championship composure, tactical adaptability.

Weaknesses: Age (37), slower pace compared to younger opponents.

Zhang Weili:

Style: Striking/wrestling hybrid, explosive pace.

Strengths: Power, speed, improved wrestling, cardio.

Weaknesses: Can be reckless in exchanges, vulnerable to counterstriking.

Recent Form

Shevchenko:

Win vs. Alexa Grasso (UD, 2024 trilogy).

Win vs. Manon Fiorot (UD, 2025).

7–2 in last nine fights, only losses to Grasso and Amanda Nunes.

Weili:

Win vs. Yan Xiaonan (KO, 2024).

Win vs. Amanda Lemos (UD, 2024).

6–1 in last seven fights, dominant since regaining strawweight title in 2022.

Fight History Context

First meeting between Shevchenko and Weili.

Shevchenko seeks to cement her GOAT status at flyweight.

Weili moves up from strawweight, aiming to become a two-division champion.

Betting Trends

Shevchenko: 6 of last 8 wins by decision; bettors favor her tactical control.

Weili: 4 of last 6 wins by finish; sharp bettors target KO prop.

Totals: Public money leaning Over 2.5 rounds, expecting a technical, drawn-out fight.

Key Factors: Shevchenko’s composure, distance management, and counterstriking should neutralize Weili’s aggression, though Zhang’s power makes her a live underdog.

Summary: UFC 322’s co-main event is a legacy-defining clash. Shevchenko’s precision and championship experience meet Weili’s explosive power and bid for two-division glory. Expect a tactical, high-level battle likely to go the distance, with Shevchenko favored to retain her flyweight crown.

FIGHT ODDS

Valentina Shevchenko   – 130

Zhang Weili                        + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, November 14, 2025