"Two champions. Two reigns for each. And for Weili Zhang, a chance to become a two-division champ at UFC 322, where the former strawweight Queen moved up in weight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko. "Bullet" had long been the most dominant female flyweight on the planet, but with Zhang having cleared out all the big names at 115lbs, the long-brewing super-fight finally arrived in the co-main event of UFC 322 in New York City."
"Noticeable early in the fight was how light and active on her feet Weili Zhang was. Her speed and in-and-out movement were on full display, catching champ Shevchenko with a punch early. Shevchenko would fire a Superman punch about a minute in, but was playing a more patient game, staying outside and using her length. When Zhang closed the distance, Shevchenko welcomed her with a knee, sending the pair to the mat with the champ on top."
Weili Zhang moved up from strawweight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322 for a chance to become a two-division champion. Zhang displayed light footwork, speed and early offensive bursts that briefly caught Shevchenko. Shevchenko opted for patience, using range and timing to land counters and a Superman punch. Shevchenko secured multiple takedowns, transitioned to side control and threatened a crucifix while maintaining top pressure. Zhang scrambled, regained partial and full guard at times and earned small positional victories, but remained largely dominated. Between rounds Zhang was advised to keep the fight standing and opened the third with heavy right hands.
Read at Cageside Press
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