Weili Zhang moves up a division and challenges Valentina Shevchenko in a historic UFC fight

Weili Zhang e Valentina Shevchenko They are UFC strawweight and flyweight champions, respectively (Photo: Montagem/SUPER FIGHTS)

The UFC confirmed, on Thursday night (28), one of the most anticipated fights in the history of women's MMA. Weili Zhang gives up the strawweight belt (up to 52,1 kg) and moves up a division to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title (up to 56,7kg) in the co-main event of UFC 322The announcement was made by CEO Dana White on his official Instagram account, scheduled for November 15th at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Weili Zhang ended his reign at strawweight (up to 52,1 kg) after successfully defending the belt three times, including notable victories over Amanda lemos, yan xiaonan e Tatiana Suarez placeholder image.

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After her most recent victory against Tatiana Suárez at UFC 312, the Chinese chose to give up the title and seek a new challenge in the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg).

On the other side of the octagon will be Valentina Shevchenko, who regained the title by overcoming Alexa grasso and successfully defended the post in combat against Manon Fiorot. She is considered by many to be the greatest name in the history of the division.

In addition to this highly anticipated women's duel, the UFC 322 The main fight will be a confrontation between Islam makhachev e Jack Della Maddalena, in addition to the combat between Leon edwards e Carlos Prates at the legendary Madison Square Garden.

Only FIGHT in #UFC322!

Jack Della Maddalena @MakhachevMMA @BulletValentina @MMAWeili
@LeonEdwardsMMA Carlos Prates

[ November 15 | Watch live on @UFCFightPassBR ] pic.twitter.com/5KuChTaz2J

- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) August 29, 2025

Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern fight for the vacant belt

Brazil will have another belt. Dana White also announced that Virna jandiroba faces Mackenzie dern A fight between Brazilian women for the vacant strawweight title (up to 52,1kg). The fight takes place in UFC 321, scheduled for October 25th in Abu Dhabi (UAE).

The fight is a rematch. The two have faced each other before, in UFC 256, in December 2020, with victory of Mackenzie dern by unanimous decision. The fight, at the time, was surprisingly intense on the feet and defied expectations of a ground duel between two jiu-jitsu specialists.

UFC 322 fights

Order date: November 15th, 2025

Location: Madison Square Garden, New York (USA)

COMPLETE CARD

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Jack Della Maddalena x Islam makhachev – fight for the belt

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Valentina Shevchenko x Weili Zhang – fight for the belt

Welterweight (up to 77kg): Carlos Prates x Leon edwards

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Erin Blanchfield x Tracy Cortez