UFC Queen Valentina Shevchenko Draws First Blood With Her Strong Words Against Chinese Champion Zhang Weili

Valentina ‘Bullet’ Shevchenko is already playing some mind games with the Chinese fighter, Zhang Weili. Weili recently defeated Carla Esparza at UFC 281. She is the reigning strawweight champion at the UFC and the first-ever Chinese woman to win a championship at the UFC. The Chinese is currently ranked #3 in the women’s pound-for-pound rankings right below Valentina Shevchenko.

‘Bullet’ has defended her flyweight title 7 times. Soon after her win over Esparza, Zhang Weili had hinted at a move to the flyweight division. She had also called out Shevchenko and ‘Bullet’ seems to have taken it seriously.

Valentina Shevchenko has not gotten inside the Octagon since her victory against Taila Santos at UFC 275 in June earlier this year. She is running out of potential matchups in the 125lbs division. A very strong possibility is a rematch with Taila Santos. Weili‘s challenge may, however, spice up things further.

Valentina Shevchenko sends a disguised threat

Talking to MMA Junkie, Shevchenko responded to Weili‘s call for a “banger“. She said, “I saw her recent fight. She got stronger, more tactical…but if the fight is gonna happen, that’s not gonna help her.” While there were some words of appreciation for the Chinese fighter’s game, the comment sounded more like a warning or a threat.

READ MORE: Despite Assuring Fans of a ‘Banger’, Zhang Weili Not Confident on Securing a Win Against Valentina Shevchenko

The to-and-fro banter between both fighters may be good for heating the fight. When and if the two fighters meet each other in the Octagon, the matchup is definitely going to be an exciting watch for the fans and will have a lot at stake for both fighters.

Shevchenko has defended her title 7 times, overtaking Ronda Rousey

While fans consider Ronda Rousey the first woman superstar at the UFC, Shevchenko has made her own niche. She first became a champion at UFC 231 in 2018 when she took the vacant flyweight title. She had defended her title 7 times since then. Her latest defense came at UFC 275 against Santos. Fans consider it her weakest performance since losing against Amanda Nunes at UFC 215 in the Bantamweight division.

While both women have made the stance clear. A war might be brewing. Shevchenko is a proven and time-tested campaigner and Zhang Weili has proven herself in a lot of instances. It might be a coincidence that both fighters are currently at a career record that reads 23-3-0. Who do you think will better her own record while tarnishing others? Let us know.

Watch this Story: Valentina Shevchenko Vs Taila Santos, Stats, records, height, reach, and more