Zhang Weili’s supremacy in the UFC strawweight division grew even stronger at UFC 312 when she handed Tatiana Suarez her first professional loss. The defending champion shut down Suarez’s aggressive grappling and proved once again that she is one of the most complete fighters in MMA today. With her latest title defense secured, the question now arises—what’s next for the Chinese superstar? Well, Dana White might’ve given us the biggest hint.
Following Weili’s victory, UFC head honcho Dana White discussed her future, citing both her star power and the possibility of a blockbuster fight with reigning flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. “It is a possibility,” said the UFC boss when questioned about a Weili-Shevchenko superfight. After all, ‘Magnum’ has made a major impact on the UFC, and the head honcho would want to capitalize on it when the biggest MMA promotion in the world visits China for an event.
The CEO emphasized how popular Weili has become in China, stating, “Such a huge, huge star in China for us. She trended number one like four times during fight week. 100 million views just on UFC platforms in China. And tonight, she was trending number one in all big territories for us.” So, it looks like he now wants the star to help him break previous gate records for the UFC set in 2024.
Dana White talks about what a huge star Zhang Weili is for the UFC in China.#UFC312 pic.twitter.com/9aEtTrqX90
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 9, 2025
Meanwhile, Shevchenko has made it clear that she too is open to the fight. After reclaiming the flyweight belt in a trilogy win over Alexa Grasso at UFC 306, ‘Bullet’ welcomed the idea of the fight. She said in the post-fight interview, “I’m here. I’m ready to fight anyone. You know myself. Once the UFC offers a fight and I agree to it, I never decline any names.” This is a developing story.
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