Valentina Shevchenko shuts down Zhang Weili in dominant Co-main event performance. For five rounds, Shevchenko controlled the pace, the range, and the momentum, earning a dominant unanimous decision victory in UFC 322. Fight fans were treated to fireworks on November 16, 2025, as Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili squared off in the co-main event of UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, New York, it was a battle that lived up to every bit of its hype. Both champions carried incredible momentum into their clash, each coming off dominant wins and determined to prove once again why they remain at the top of their divisions.
For Valentina Shevchenko, the road back to dominance has been all about redemption and consistency. The former flyweight queen entered UFC 322 with a record of 25–4–1, having recently scored a convincing unanimous decision win over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 in May 2025. Prior to that, she avenged her earlier loss to Alexa Grasso by defeating her in their rematch at UFC 306 in September 2024, reclaiming her place among the elite. Shevchenko’s lone setback in recent years came at UFC 285 in March 2023, where she was submitted by Grasso in the fourth round. Their rematch later that year ended in a controversial split draw a result that fueled Shevchenko’s determination to dominate once more.
Across the Octagon was Zhang Weili, the reigning strawweight champion and one of the most explosive fighters on the UFC roster. Holding a professional record of 26–3, Zhang entered the co-main event fresh off back-to-back wins that reaffirmed her championship pedigree. In February 2025, she earned a dominant unanimous decision victory over Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312. Before that, Zhang showcased her striking power and tactical precision with a five-round win over Yan Xiaonan at the historic UFC 300 in April 2024.
Zhang’s last defeats came in her rivalry with Rose Namajunas, losing first by knockout in April 2021 and then narrowly by split decision in their rematch later that year. Since then, however, the Chinese powerhouse has evolved dramatically sharpening her ground game, tightening her defense, and developing a well-rounded style that has made her a nightmare for anyone in her path.
The fight began with Shevchenko setting the tone early. In Round 1, she targeted Zhang’s body with clean kicks and sharp punches, forcing the Chinese star backward. A hard knee to the midsection hurt Zhang, and Shevchenko used the moment to score a takedown before working from side control and landing ground strikes. Round 2 followed the same story: Shevchenko stayed calm, mixed her strikes well, and secured another takedown in the clinch. Even when Zhang tried to scramble up, Shevchenko shut down her movement and kept top control.
By Round 3, the momentum was fully in Shevchenko’s hands. She opened up her striking, landing spinning shots and stepping forward with confidence. Once again, she dragged the fight to the canvas, maintaining pressure from top position and keeping Zhang on the defensive. Round 4 showed Shevchenko’s veteran experience as she combined clinch control with steady ground-and-pound. Knees, elbows, and body shots continued to sap Zhang’s energy, while Shevchenko never allowed her any space to reset.
In the final round, Shevchenko stayed disciplined, sticking to the strategy that had worked all night. She landed more clean strikes, scored another takedown, and closed the show from dominant positions. After five rounds of near-total control, all three judges scored the fight 50–45 for Shevchenko, it was a clear and complete victory over one of the toughest fighters in the division.
Main card
Islam Makhachev def. Jack Della Maddalena via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Valentina Shevchenko def. Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (50-45 x3)
Michael Morales def. Sean Brady via first-round TKO (3:27)
Carlos Prates def. Leon Edwards via second-round KO (1:28)
Benoit Saint Denis def. Beneil Dariush via first-round KO (0:16)
Prelims
Bo Nickal def. Rodolfo Vieira via third-round KO (2:24)
Gregory Rodrigues def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Erin Blanchfield def. Tracy Cortez via submission (rear-naked choke) (R2, 4:44)
Ethyn Ewing def. Malcolm Wellmaker via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Kyle Daukaus def. Gerald Meerschaert via submission (D’arce choke) (R1, 0:50)
Pat Sabatini def. Chepe Mariscal via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Fatima Kline def. Angela Hill via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric McConico via third-round knockout (1:38)
Matheus Camilo def. Viacheslav Borshchev via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
