MMA - UFC #322
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by Bill Christy | in UFC Picks
What a co-main event we are being treated to with current women's flyweight champion Valentino Shevchenko (25-4-1) facing the former strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-3-0). Weili vacated her title to move up and get this shot with Shevchenko. Both fighters have a Muay Thai background and have had significant success putting opponents away in their careers. Shevchenko has scored 15 of her 25 victories by finishing her opponents while Weili has done the same in 19 of her 26 victories. After losing her title to Alexa Grosso in 2023, Shevchenko got refocused and was able to win it back in the 3rd fight of their trilogy with the 2nd ending in a draw. She has since defended it against Manon Fiorot where she secured a unanimous decision victory. For Weili, after becoming champion over Jessica Andrade and successfully defending it once against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, she found herself on the losing end of back-to-back fights with Rose Namajunas. However, since then, she has been on a tear and won back her title by defeating Carla Esparza and then rattling off 3 straight title defenses. And now, she will face her toughest challenge of her career against a fighter that could be making her think about her bouts with Rose as the styles are a bit similar.Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Valentina Shevchenko - Zhang Weili Key Points
- Shevchenko is 2-1-1 in her last 4 fights.
- Weili has been finished only 1 time in her 29 fights.
- Weili is 5-0 in her last 5 fights.
- Weili has a 2.01 advantage in significant strikes per minute.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Valentina Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili Prediction
Shevchenko is one of the greatest women's fighters of all time. On paper, it makes sense that she is a slight favorite here in this matchup with Weili. However, we feel like Weili is in a position that we have seen many fighters in over the past few years. This position is one that is hard to overcome for their opponents even if they are the favorite. Weili is looking to become a champion of a 2nd division here and her hunger is going to be undeniable. We believe she will come in and press Shevchenko in a way she has not been pressed over the last couple of years and score the victory.
Our prediction for Valentine Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili: Zhang Weili to win
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
