UFC superstars Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko will meet Saturday in the UFC 322 co-main event in New York City. Weili opted to leave the UFC strawweight division to challenge UFC flyweight champion Shevchenko in one of the biggest fights in women’s MMA history.
Weili and Shevchenko are undoubtedly two of the greatest female MMA fighters of all time, with four combined title reigns. Amanda Nunes, who is expected to return to the Octagon next year for a superfight with UFC bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, is considered by many to be the female UFC GOAT.
But UFC play-by-play broadcaster Jon Anik believes Nunes’ GOAT case isn’t set in stone, and Weili can top Nunes with a triumphant display this weekend.
Jon Anik declares Zhang Weili the female UFC GOAT with victory over Valentina Shevchenko
During a Question and answer session Ahead of the UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-in, Anik explained what he believes is at stake between Weili and Shevchenko this weekend.
“It’s hard to put it in context compared to what Amanda Nunes has done. But the 115-pound division that [Joanna Jedrzecjzyk] built has been the best women’s division,” Anik began about Weili vs. Shevchenko.
“If Zhang Weili, who successfully defended the title four times during two reigns in that division, goes up and beats Valentina, regarding my friend [Amanda]For me, Zhang Weili would be the greatest of all time.
“And if Valentina wins this fight, she’ll have a great case too,” Anik continued. “So I guess it sounds weird when the play-by-play guy says they’re fighting to determine the greatest female fighter of all time, but that’s our reality Saturday night.”
Nunes won titles in two divisions and defeated the likes of Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm and Cris Cyborg during his storied career. A Weili win this weekend could make the UFC GOAT case a hotly contested debate.
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