Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili: Live round-by-round updates: UFC 322: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili: Live round-by-round updates

Before the welterweight crown is contested, Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili step into the co-main event of UFC 322 in a battle between two of the sport’s most proven champions.

Shevchenko returns as the established force at flyweight, ready to test the challenge of her Chinese rival. Weili, meanwhile, steps in after years of dominance at strawweight, bringing speed, sharp reactions, and a brand of physical pressure that has broken world-class opponents for nearly a decade.

Shevchenko enters with the familiarity of a division she has controlled for years. Her win over Manon Fiorot in Montreal showed her ability to stay composed in tight rounds and close strong when the stakes demand it.

Her timing and decision-making are sharp as ever, and her knack for creating small openings continues to separate her from most challengers. Zhang arrives with confidence built on consistent improvements and a well-rounded game suited for long contests.

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The meeting works because both carry complete toolkits and neither relies on a narrow pathway to win. The key question sits with Zhang’s transition to 125 and how her strength scales against a champion known for efficiency, range control, and impeccable timing.

The early prelims of UFC 322 start at 6 pm ET and 3 pm PT on ESPN+, Disney, and UFC Fight Pass. Prelims follow at 8 pm ET and 5 pm PT, with the main card beginning at 10 pm ET and 7 pm PT on pay-per-view.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and full round-by-round updates of UFC 322:

Round 1

Shevchenko opens up with a check leg kick. Weili lands an early, crisp right hand. Shevchenko fires back with a body kick. Weili is using a lot of feints. Shevchenko fires back with a three-punch combination. Weili gets in to penetrate range, and Shevchenko takes her down. Weili gets back up after working some scrambles in the butterfly guard. Shevhchenko hurts her with the spinning elbow as Weili gets inside range. Shevchenko takes her down and gets side control. Weili defends well and avoids getting trapped in the crucifix. Solid round for the champion.

Our Score: 10-9 Shevchenko

Round 2

Shevchenko stings with a one-two combination after a brief exchange on the feet. She initiates the clinch and gets back to side control. Shevchenko transitions to crucifix, but Weili is doing a good job of defending. Weili has the underhooks where she can create space and posture up. Shevchenko is dominating every aspect of the fight. She's creating space for some offense and scoring well.

Our Score: 10-9 Shevchenko (20-18 overall)

Round 3

Shevchenko stings Weili with two solid kicks. Weili fires back with a body kick. Beautiful jab from Shevchenko to halt the attacks of Weili. Shevchenko fires with a spinning kick to the body, and Weili returns fire. She initiates a clinch and lands a good punch on Shevchenko. Strong knee to the body from Shevchenko hurts Weili. Shevchenko grabs Weili when she enters to land some offense and takes her down with her strength. She's landing heavy ground-and-pound and bags another round. Just a dominant showcase so far!

Our Score: 10-9 Shevchenko (30-27 overall)

Round 4

Shevchenko is popping her with the right hand every time she gets in range. She lands two stinging body kicks that hurt Weili. Shevchenko is getting creative with the striking with the body kicks. Shades of her fight with Jessica Eye. Shevchenko stings her with a right hand. She's pouring on the pressure and looking for the decisive blow now. Shevchenko catches Weili's kick and takes her down again. Short shoulder strikes from Shevchenko to keep her opponent preoccupied.

Our Score: 10-9 Shevchenko (40-36 overall)

Round 5

This has been a lopsided contest so far, with Shevchenko dominating every exchange. Shevchenko takes Weili down and gets in side control. She's comfortable operating from the position and landing some occasional offense. She gets back up to land some kicks to a downed Weili and script another title defense.

Our Score: 10-9 Shevchenko (50-45 overall)

Official Result

Valentina Shevchenko defeats Zhang Weili by unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, and 50-45).