UFC 322 – Valentina Shevchenko vs Weili Zhang: Preview & Betting Tips

The UFC 322 co-main event in Madison Square Garden brings fans a true superfight in the women’s divisions as flyweight queen Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko takes on strawweight champion Weili Zhang.

Shevchenko (25-4-1), the Kyrgyzstani striker remains one of the most technically polished fighters on the roster, combining surgical Muay Thai with elite takedown defence and counter-grappling.

Zhang (26-3), meanwhile, moves up from strawweight to challenge one of the greatest female champions in UFC history. The 35-year-old Chinese powerhouse has looked unstoppable since reclaiming the 115-pounds title, dominating Carla Esparza and Amanda Lemos with ferocious pressure and evolving wrestling.

Tale of the Tape

Valentina Shevchenko – Odds 1.80 

Record: 25-4-1

Age: 37

Height: 5ft5

Reach: 66”

Weight: Flyweight 

Stance: Southpaw 

Weili Zhang – Odds 2.00 

Record: 26-3

Age: 36

Height: 5ft4

Reach: 63”

Weight: Flyweight 

Stance: Switch

Valentina Shevchenko vs Weili Zhang: Analysis

Zhang’s forward movement with counter-kicks and step-back counters. Her ability to control distance has been her biggest weapon against aggressive opponents.

However, Zhang brings a level of explosiveness and unpredictability that few others possess. She’s become a far more complete fighter under the tutelage of Xtreme Couture, adding wrestling entries and improved top control. If Zhang can close the distance and mix in level changes effectively, she could test Shevchenko’s defensive grappling in ways few have since Grasso.

The key detail of this fight will be the strength and size adjustment. Zhang has spent much of her career cutting to 115-pounds, while Shevchenko has fought comfortably at 125-pounds for years, and she’s faced some really big flyweights and physically bullied them. This is something Zhang will have to try and negotiate.

Shevchenko vs Zhang: Prediction & Betting Tips

I expect an elite-level battle that ebbs and flows across 25 minutes, if it goes that long. Shevchenko’s composure and accuracy will win her early exchanges, while Zhang will certainly have her moments because of the quick bursts she fights in.

However, it is a massive job for someone like Zhang to come up a weight class and face one of the greatest, and certainly most diverse, female fighters in women’s MMA history. The slickness of Shevchenko’s counterpunching and kicking should keep Zhang at bay for most of the fight. And if they tie up close, I can see the champ overpowering her with some judo throws and maybe landing in side control where she can inflict damage and hunt for a submission. 

I understand the close odds, but I’m going to be taking Valentina Shevchenko to win by KO/TKO or submission at boosted odds of 6.00 .