Dana White Books Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko For UFC 322 Co-Main Event in Historic Pound-for-Pound Clash

White also confirmed that reigning flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko will defend her title against strawweight queen Zhang Weili in a super-fight co-main event on the same card.

This fight won’t just pit two of the most dominant champions in women's MMA history against each other for the flyweight belt, but also represents a rare champion-versus-champion showdown that features the UFC's no. 1 and no. 2 pound-for-pound female fighters battling for the top of that list.

With Shevchenko at the top spot and Zhang immediately behind her at no. 2, this will be the first time in UFC history that the top two women on the pound-for-pound list will meet in combat, adding historical significance to an already monumental matchup.

Both women have established themselves as dominant forces in their respective divisions, with Shevchenko reigning over the flyweight division for years while Zhang has proven virtually unstoppable at strawweight, making this a true super-fight between exceptional talents who have transcended their weight classes.

According to official UFC stats, Zhang boasts a significant strikes landed per minute rate of 5.15 with 53% accuracy, demonstrating her explosive striking capabilities that have resulted in 11 knockout victories throughout her entire professional career.

The road to this super-fight required Zhang to vacate her strawweight title to pursue this challenge at flyweight, a move that demonstrates her confidence and her desire to test herself against the very best competition available.

Shevchenko, while slightly less active offensively at 3.14 significant strikes landed per minute, has exceptional striking accuracy and superior defensive metrics, including a 63% significant strike defense rate and a 75% takedown defense percentage. Her statistics are especially impressive given her 10-year UFC career of 18 fights.

After regaining the flyweight belt since losing it to Alexa Grasso in 2023, Shevchenko has defeated Grasso and Manon Fiorot in her second title reign at the weight class.

Shevchenko's technical, measured approach utilizing precise footwork, counter-striking, and strategic clinch work, will be tested against Zhang's aggressive forward pressure and ever-evolving skillset. Both women, while known primarily for their striking, also have solid grappling skills that could come into play. 

This fight will be a legacy-defining moment for both women. With the vacant strawweight title being contested between Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321, MMA fans will be treated to two major women's championship fights within a month, highlighting the incredible depth and star power of the UFC's female divisions.

The stage is set for two extraordinary athletes who will settle the question of pound-for-pound supremacy in what promises to be a technical masterpiece and potential Fight of the Year candidate.