Valentina Shevchenko is ready to give the people what they want.
In February, UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili successfully defended her title for the third consecutive time, winning a unanimous decision over Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312. Following her win, Zhang revealed her interest in moving up to challenge Shevchenko for the flyweight title, with UFC CEO Dana White even suggesting that might be next.
However, earlier this month the UFC announced that Shevchenko will instead defend her title against Manon Fiorot at UFC 315 in May, and according to “Bullet” that was always the plan.
“In my perspective, I knew that I’m going to face, I’m going to defend my belt against Manon,” Shevchenko told Ariel Helwani. “When Weili called me out, I thought it might be a slight change, but when UFC reached out with the final agreement for the fight, yeah, it was the same we had before all this happened.
“But yeah, I think Weili, she’s a great fighter and she showed that she can be successful for many years. She’s showed so many good fights and I just want to congratulate her on her recent victory.”
Fiorot has been the top contender at flyweight for nearly a year, since winning a unanimous decision over Erin Blanchfield at UFC Atlantic City. But after she takes care of business against Fiorot, Shechenko says she’s more than happy to entertain a superfight with Zhang.
“I think it would be [an] amazing fight,” Shevchenko said. “I think it would be something that fans would love to see. Definitely, me being the person — I focus on the target. My next target is Manon. That’s why for me, it’s still a little bit further to think about. ...
“I think making this fight, it’s going to be a huge fight for all the females [in the] sport, and all the right negotiations that have to be done leading to this fight,” Shevchenko added later. “I think this is all we have to be focusing on moving forward. But for now, let’s focus on the fight I’m going to have in two months in Montreal.”
UFC 315 which takes place on May 10 at Bell Centre in Montreal. In the main event, Belal Muhammad defends his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena, while Shevchenko puts her flyweight belt on the line against Fiorot in the co-main event.
TOP STORIES
Breakfast. Watch KSI smack Dillon Danis in the face with a pancake at Misfits Boxing 21 press conference.
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Rematch. Leon Edwards wanted Belal Muhammad rematch at UFC 315, Muhammad responds.
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VIDEO STEW
Every Alex Pereira knockout.
UFC 313 Embedded, episode 2.
Alex Pereira training.
Just Gaethje fight week.
Rafael Fiziev interview.
Jack Slack breaking down Alex Pereira.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
The most important Tweet of the week.
Live Combat Sport Schedule: 3/4 - 3/10
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) March 5, 2025
Complete schedule w/ fight cards, PPV & free live streams HERE:
▶️https://t.co/ocrWcrsnEk#UFC313 #CW183 #KSW104 #OKTAGON68 #JonasPrice #ONEFightNight29 #LFA203 #EFC121 #FloresLeyva #FPI10 #Samourai13 #PANCRASE352 #SFS20 #GROMDA20 #TFL33 pic.twitter.com/Ey6mv8Dllt
This is upsetting information. I am old.
Van vs. Tsuruya will be the first fight in UFC history featuring two fighters born in the 2000s. #UFC313 https://t.co/YlhXtIXpdK
— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) March 5, 2025
UFC 313 artists series.
Big fight, big poster! Your #UFC313 Artist Series has landed
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 4, 2025
@YellowCardas pic.twitter.com/CcFN6U1T96
Chase Hooper learning the harsh realities of capitalism.
Kind of a wild statement coming right off the Seattle card with the biggest gate and attendance for a fight night ever. The demand for in person events is higher than ever. Maybe it takes a bit of revenue off the top, but it grows the sport in the long run https://t.co/niT2bH7SNp
— Chase Hooper (@chase_hooper) March 5, 2025
Trying to confirm that this is true, but it appears a fighter and his twin may have both competed as the same person in a tournament on the regional scene, which is incredibly MMA.
Joshua Homberg wziął udział w turnieju w wadze ciężkiej na gali GMC 41. Po wygranej w pierwszej walce awansował do finału, jednak to nie on wszedł do klatki na decydujące starcie – zamiast niego bez wiedzy organizacji walczył jego brat bliźniak, który znokautował rywala… pic.twitter.com/OV0LqQTMhS
— Adrian Szymański (@adrians_mma) March 4, 2025
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Raul Rosas Jr. (10-1) vs. Vince Morales (16-9); UFC Mexico City, March 29.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Man, really hope Shevchenko beats Fiorot because Shevy Truck vs. Zhang is a deserving super fight and it would be pretty epic. But Fiorot ain’t no joke.
EXIT POLL
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