Zhang Weili’s supremacy in the UFC strawweight division grew even stronger at UFC 312. In her third title defense of her second title reign, ‘Magnum’ became the first woman to hand 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, Valentina Shevchenko has made it clear that she too is open to fight anyone. After reclaiming the flyweight belt in a trilogy win over Alexa Grasso at UFC 306, ‘Bullet’ 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.” But do you know that there is another UFC legend who would love to see the fight? Who exactly? None other than Joe Rogan.
Joe Rogan Backs Dana White’s Vision for Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko
One thing is for sure, if Dana White considers materializing the super-fight between Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko, Joe Rogan would be in full agreement. But how do we know that? That’s because while watching Weili dominate Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312, the UFC commentator couldn’t help but admire the strawweight queen, complimenting her skills throughout his Fight Companion livestream on YouTube.
Midway through the fight, Joe Rogan pointed out just how wide the gap was between ‘Magnum’ and her challengers. “Well, I chose champion (on betting) because it’s just that there is a big difference in stepping up and fighting a champion like this when you have been dominating ladies that are of a lesser caliber. Zhang Weili is complete, and now you’re seeing it. And also, f—– tank, she is a tank of a lady.” By the time the fight ended, the JRE host had already seen enough to declare the result before the official decision. “It’s over. It’s tough; it’s devastating. You can’t catch that. That gap, that’s a big gap.”
Given Rogan’s strong praise for the Chinese superstar and the head honcho’s openness to the idea of the super fight, a Zhang Weili–Valentina Shevchenko bout is more likely than ever. With Zhang Weili running out of new strawweight contenders, a fight with ‘Bullet’ may be the blockbuster the UFC needs to solidify her reputation. What do you think? Will we see the two clash in 2025? Let us know in the comments.
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