Fight preview, odds and expert predictions for Valentina Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili at UFC 322 — who wins Saturday night?
Introduction
This Saturday at UFC 322, the women’s flyweight division promises to deliver something special: long-reigning flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko defends her title against the dangerous Zhang Weili, the former strawweight champion.
This clash features contrasting styles — Shevchenko’s elite counter fighting and championship pedigree, versus Zhang’s pressure, power and pace. Oddsmakers have this listed as one the closest title fights of the year.
Embed from Getty ImagesQuick fight facts
- Event: UFC 322 — Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili (main/co-main on Nov. 15, 2025 local).
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City (UFC 322).
- Division: Women’s Flyweight (125 lb).
- Records (pro): Valentina Shevchenko — ~25-4-1; Zhang Weili — ~26-3-0
Shevchenko vs Zhang: Before the Bell
Together, on Saturday night, two women will step into the same Octagon from opposite sides of the world with a lifetime of experiences forged in fire. Valentina Shevchenko, the technical wizard from Kyrgyzstan, has perfected her art over a lifetime — from the martial arts rooms since childhood to the bright lights of championship fights, every strike honed from millions of moments of high stakes experiences across the globe. She enters the cage with a calm self-assurance that comes with being a living legend defending her legacy.
Opposite her is Zhang Weili, the tireless champion who fought her way up from long workdays and nights of training to become China’s first UFC champion. With grit, pressure, and national pride in the mix, Zhang Weili fights as though she built her career with her own two hands — determined to seize greatness, not wait for it.
When these two collide, it’s more than a title fight:
It’s precision vs pressure.
Legacy vs hunger.
A lifetime of mastery vs a nation’s unstoppable force.
This isn’t just Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili.
It’s a clash of destinies — and only one can rise.
Why this fight matters
Shevchenko is a common reference point for the division: she is technically sound, poised and experienced in battle, while Zhang is a generationally talented striker who has moved up from strawweight in search of multi-division legacy during a historic bout.
This fight has the potential stylistically and with real ramifications for legacy: a win by Shevchenko cements her status as the flyweight queen; a victory for Zhang would earn her the title of being a multi-division legend.
Styles, strengths and matchup breakdown
Shevchenko — The technical ring general
Top-level counter striking, fantastic distance control and fight IQ. She is comfortable on the outside as well as in clinch exchanges and has championship five-round pacing.
In her latest title defenses we’ve seen her ability to change game plans mid-fight.
Zhang Weili — Pressure, power, and dynamism
Relentless forward tempo, heavy hands, and an effective wrestling / grappling base. Zhang’s pace and conditioning will make fighters respond or be overwhelmed — she has finishes at both strawweight and now brings that threat to 125.
Embed from Getty ImagesTactical keys to victory
- Shevchenko: Utilize footwork and counter-punching to prevent extended exchanges, look to capitalize on cumulative damage toward the end of rounds.
- Zhang: Close the distance relentlessly, mixing takedowns and dirty boxing pressure throughout the rounds to even out Shevchenko’s rhythm.
Odds reflect specific sportsbook lines at time of publication; please check current lines before betting.
Odds, lines and betting market snapshot
Lines have been tight lately: Several books show that Shevchenko is a slight favorite (around -125 to -130, and Zhang near +100 to +110 at various books), with method props split between decision and finishing based on bookmakers.
Prop markets suggest that bettors see both submission and TKO possibilities for either side. Be sure to shop lines across sportsbooks.
Fight Prediction (straight, props & reasoning)
Straight Pick
Valentina Shevchenko by decision. Reason: Shevchenko’s experience, pacing, and championship quality of fighting will likely let her control distance, swap Zhang’s early pressure, and win rounds based on accurate fighting and octagon control.
Value Prop
Zhang Weili by late finish (some books have +700–+1000 style props) — as long as Zhang survives the early technical chess, and continues the pressure, Weili can be come back late but happens.
Dark Horse
Submission prop — both fighters can grapple; if either can create scrambles — submission prop values for both fight.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal take
This is an elite-level contest which is around 50/50 with the styles and experience both being relevant factors. Shevchenko’s polished, from-the-championship tool kit gives her a slight edge for me, but Zhang’s combines pace and power to make any scenario plausible – expect explosive moments and what could be a game of chess more tactically.
Call to action
Who are you taking, Shevchenko or Zhang? Leave your pick and reasons below in the comments, share with your fellow fight fans, and save this article to monitor live odds.
