Zhang Weili Considers Superfight with Valentina Shevchenko if Circumstances Align
After her dominant performance at UFC 312, strawweight champion Zhang Weili has expressed openness to a potential superfight with flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. Following her successful title defense against Tatiana Suarez, Zhang addressed the possibility of facing Shevchenko in the future.
“It’s all about timing,” Zhang stated during the post-fight press conference. “If the conditions are right for both of us, the fight could happen.”
When asked about her position in the pound-for-pound rankings compared to Shevchenko, Zhang remained humble and focused on self-improvement. “Rankings don’t matter much to me,” she explained. “My main concern is continually improving myself as a fighter.”
Having defeated most top contenders in the strawweight division, Zhang views all her opponents as learning opportunities. “My ultimate goal is self-improvement,” she emphasized. “I see each opponent as a teacher, helping me become a better fighter.”
UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the potential for a Zhang vs. Shevchenko matchup, describing it as “a possibility” for the future. This superfight could potentially determine the top pound-for-pound female fighter in the UFC.
As Zhang continues to dominate the strawweight division, fans eagerly anticipate her next challenge, whether it be within her weight class or in a champion vs. champion showdown with Shevchenko.