Zhang Weili renews calls for Flyweight title shot versus Valentina Shevchenko: ‘I want to go up!’

 Zhang Weili has options.

The reigning Strawweight queen has defended her title three times since recapturing the belt in November 2022, and she’s taken out most of the top names in her division at some point or another. Most recently, she outclassed Tatiana Suarez, who was expected to be a serious challenge. That said, jiu-jitsu ace Virna Jandiroba has put together an excellent five-fight win streak to earn her own opportunity at gold, so there is at least one available and worthy challenge left at 115-pounds.

There’s a more exciting option too. Valentina Shevchenko has been the reigning Flyweight champion for much of Weili’s own time at the top, and we may finally be looking at a super fight between the active champions. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Weili confirmed that’s her next move if given the choice, explaining, “I want to go up.”

Weili says it’s unknown whether UFC would strip her current crown if she pursues a second title. As for defeating “Bullet,” that’s a tall task, but Weili believes it all comes down her well-rounded skill set.

“I need to be very well-rounded,” Weili said. “I need to prepare all my techniques. It really depends on who gets the right chance and who has the right mentality.”

Shevchenko was last seen delivering Manon Fiorot her first UFC defeat to secure the first title defense of her second title reign. The 37-year-old counter striker is open to the Weili match up, but she also has worthy challengers in Natalia Silva and Erin Blanchfield waiting in the mix.