By Valentina Shevchenko is open to a potential superfight with strawweight champion Zhang Weili—if she successfully defends her women’s flyweight title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315.
Before being scheduled to face Fiorot in the co-main event on May 10 at Bell Centre in Montreal (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), there was growing speculation that Shevchenko’s next challenger could be Weili. The Chinese champion expressed interest in moving up a weight class to pursue a second title following her impressive defense against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in February.
Although the timing didn’t align for their showdown, Shevchenko—who holds a professional record of twenty-four wins, four losses, and one draw in mixed martial arts, including thirteen wins, three losses, and one draw in the UFC—is open to the idea if she emerges victorious against Fiorot, who boasts a record of twelve wins and one loss in mixed martial arts, with seven of those wins coming in the UFC.
“I’m open to all opportunities,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie. “Weili has shown a lot of heart in her fights, and with all the years she’s put into her performances, she’s proven she’s a great fighter. Why not? It’s an amazing fight, and I think all the fans would be excited to see that.”
Following Weili’s hard-fought victory over Suarez, UFC CEO Dana White praised her performance and indicated he would support her ambitions. While it’s unclear why the two champions aren’t facing off next, both fighters and White have publicly expressed their interest in making the bout happen.
For now, Shevchenko’s focus remains on Fiorot, but Weili—who holds a record of twenty-six wins and three losses in mixed martial arts, with ten of those wins coming in the UFC—could be waiting for her on the other side.
“For me, as I say every time, it’s one step at a time,” Shevchenko said. “I’m not looking to jump ahead. My focus is on Manon, and once that’s done, my team and I will decide what comes next.”
While Shevchenko respects Weili’s skills and determination, she remains confident that she is the more complete fighter and would have the upper hand if their paths cross.
“She’s tough—there’s no doubt—but I believe my experience, versatility, and mindset give me the edge. If the fight happens, I’ll be ready to show why I’m the best.”
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