There’s something rare about this one, a fight that feels both historic and unpredictable. Zhang Weili’s move to flyweight is more than just another belt; it’s about pushing her limitations. After twice ruling strawweight, cutting to 115 became a punishment rather than preparation. But now, she’s heavier, sharper, and ready to dethrone Valentina Shevchenko.

According to Coach John Wood, the weight jump is not an escape, but rather an evolution. ‘Magnum’ is no longer a volume striker but a compact, explosive force. What depleted her at 115 now fuels her at 125, and at Madison Square Garden, that may change everything.

Head coach outlines Zhang Weili’s plan to handle Valentina’s precision

“She’s a thick little tank, man,” Wood told the MiddleEasy YouTube channel in a recent interview. “All muscle. Fifteen was getting old for her, and now the juice is finally worth the squeeze.” The coach compares her to a rebuilt machine, with faster recovery and more power and stamina for five tough rounds.

But it’s not just about size; her support staff is working to adapt her explosiveness to a bigger frame, keeping her movement quick while increasing strength for scrambles and clinch control. In fact, Zhang Weili has intentionally been rolling with individuals who are 30 pounds larger than her at camp.

“She’s used to muscling around bigger dudes,” Wood further added in the interview. But that’s not all, as ‘Magnum’ is planning to establish further dominance on the ground to take out Valentina Shevchenko. “And Josh [Hinger] has done amazing things with her jiu-jitsu. She just keeps going.” That training makes one thing clear: the 36-year-old’s goal isn’t just to outstrike ‘Bullet’; she wants to outwork her everywhere.

Wood also sees the fight playing out in unpredictable fashion. “I think there’s a very good chance both these girls try to take each other down,” he said. “They’re game wherever it goes. Valentina’s sharp, but Zhang’s a machine—she doesn’t stop.” Underneath the respect, there is a quiet confidence. The kind that doesn’t require trash talk, just proof in the cage.

When the lights come on at Madison Square Garden, the weight advantage, the grind, and Zhang Weili’s new version will all be tested. Valentina Shevchenko has built her legacy on control, but control is only valid until someone decides to disrupt it.

And, if Zhang’s coach is right, the woman stepping into the cage on fight night is not a challenger. She’s evolving with gloves on. So it’s no surprise that everyone is hyped about the fight. In fact, one UFC 322 commentator recently revealed that he hasn’t been this excited for a women’s fight since the return fight of Ronda Rousey.

Jon Anik is all hyped up about Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko

For Jon Anik, UFC 322 represents a return to the excitement that women’s MMA once inspired. The experienced commentator compared his excitement for Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko to Ronda Rousey’s comeback against Amanda Nunes, the last time he believed a fight could change everything in less than a minute.

“I can’t remember being this excited for a women’s fight since then,” Anik said on the Anik & Florian Podcast. It’s a rare combination of excellence and risk that restores the sport’s raw edge. And that is why he’s not wrong to feel this way. ‘Magnum’ is stronger, faster, and more explosive than she has ever been, while ‘Bullet’ is the epitome of control: smart, patient, and precise.

Anik put it simply: “These two aren’t just champions; they’re artists in violence.” It’s a duel between power and precision, and every second counts. For the UFC 322 commentator, it’s more than just the belts and rankings. It’s about the moments that define eras. “I’m fascinated to see how this one plays out,” he added.

Fans agree, since Zhang vs. Valentina feels like more than just a title defense; it’s a matchup that might change how people remember both women after the lights go out at Madison Square Garden.