The UFC 322 co-main event between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili is one of the biggest superfights in recent women’s MMA history. A dominant former flyweight queen versus the current strawweight champion — both elite strikers, both incredibly well-rounded, and both known for championship-level discipline.

But the big question for bettors is simple: Who actually has the edge?
And more importantly: Where should you place your bets?

This breakdown looks at the matchup from a betting perspective, using real fight tendencies, recent performances, and stylistic factors that directly influence betting outcomes. At the end, you’ll also find trusted sportsbooks such as BetOnline, Boomerang Bet, 1xBet, and 22Bet where you can legally wager depending on where you live.

Let’s dive in.

Fighter Overview

Zhang Weili – Explosive, Powerful, and Extremely Conditioned

Zhang Weili comes into UFC 322 as a fighter who just keeps getting better. Her cardio, power, and athleticism stand out even among champions. Her offensive output is extremely high, and she combines:

• Fast footwork

• Heavy kicks

• Powerful grappling

• Strong top control

• Constant pressure

She has also drastically improved her fight IQ — she now mixes striking and wrestling better than ever.

Valentina Shevchenko – Technical, Experienced, and Tactical

Shevchenko is one of the most decorated female fighters in UFC history. While she is coming off inconsistent results by her standards, her skillset remains elite:

• Precise counter-striking

• Excellent timing

• World-class spinning attacks

• Good clinch control

• Smart defensive grappling

Her biggest weapon in this matchup is her fight intelligence. If she slows the pace down, she can control large portions of the bout.

Physical & Style Matchup Breakdown

1. Speed & Power Advantage: Zhang Weili

At this stage of their careers, Weili is faster, more explosive, and more capable of sudden bursts of offense.

Her short combinations, fast kicks, and fast level changes make her very difficult to time. Against someone like Shevchenko, this speed matters because Valentina relies heavily on reading her opponents.

Betting Impact:

• More likely to win fast-paced rounds

• More likely to land the bigger moments judges notice

• Live-betting swings favor her when the pace increases

2. Technical Precision: Shevchenko

Even at 36+, Valentina remains one of the most technically polished fighters in MMA. She doesn’t waste energy, she’s patient, and her counter-striking can punish overly aggressive fighters.

However, her recent fights have shown:

• Slightly slower reactions

• Less dominance in grappling exchanges

• Struggles against strong physical opponents

Against someone as explosive as Weili, that could be a problem.

Betting Impact:

• If she controls the pace, she can steal rounds

• Best value on Shevchenko by decision or over rounds

3. Grappling Comparison

Historically, Shevchenko was the better grappler. But in 2023–2024, Weili’s grappling evolved dramatically.

Zhang now has:

• Strong takedowns

• Crushing top pressure

• Very good scrambles

• High-volume ground strikes

Shevchenko still has good defensive grappling, but recent fights showed opponents finding success taking her down or outmuscling her.

Grappling Edge: Slightly Zhang Weili

4. Cardio & Durability

Weili has some of the best cardio in the UFC — male or female. She maintains pace for five rounds and even accelerates late.

Shevchenko has always had elite stamina too, but:

• Age affects recovery

• She is less comfortable in chaotic fights

• She slows slightly in wrestling-heavy bouts

Advantage: Zhang Weili

Who Will Win? – Prediction from a Betting Perspective

This fight is extremely competitive, but when you break it down purely from a betting standpoint, Zhang Weili holds the safer side.

Why Weili Is the Better Pick

1. Higher pace → judges reward activity

2. Better athleticism at this stage

3. More ways to win (striking volume, wrestling, scrambles)

4. Peak age vs. declining prime

5. Shevchenko no longer dominates physically like before

Shevchenko is still dangerous, but she now relies more on tactical, lower-volume fighting — and that can lead to very close rounds.

Most Likely Outcome:

Zhang Weili by Decision
Expect a competitive, high-speed fight where Weili’s work rate and wrestling pressure win more rounds.

Best Prop Bets for Weili vs Shevchenko (Smart Wagers)

1. Zhang Weili Moneyline

The safest pick. Her cardio and tempo give her a scoring advantage even if the fight stays competitive.

2. Fight Goes to Decision

Both fighters are extremely durable and technical. This matchup is more about pace and scoring, not KO power.

3. Zhang Weili by Decision

Great value bet since both fighters typically go the distance against elite competition.

4. Over 3.5 Rounds

This is one of the most reliable play types for skilled, tactical fighters.

Where to Bet on Zhang Weili vs Valentina Shevchenko

Depending on where you live, here are trusted platforms that offer UFC betting markets:

1. BetOnline (USA-friendly)

One of the most reliable sportsbooks for American bettors. Offers competitive MMA odds and early prop markets.

2. Boomerang Bet

Very popular in Europe and Asia, known for fast payouts and diverse MMA market coverage.

3. 1xBet

A globally accessible sportsbook offering deep props — round bets, method-of-victory, live betting, and more.

4. 22Bet

Strong international coverage with live odds and UFC-specific bonuses.

Always check local laws and bet responsibly.

Fight Scenario Breakdown (Possible Paths to Victory)

How Zhang Weili Wins

• Pushes a high pace

• Mixes striking and takedowns

• Pressures Valentina backward

• Wins the scrambles

• Outworks Shevchenko on the feet

Her best win condition: Decision after five high-activity rounds.

How Valentina Shevchenko Wins

• Controls distance

• Counter-strikes effectively

• Slows the tempo

• Times takedowns

• Avoids wrestling scrambles

Her best win condition: Technical decision in a slower, cleaner striking match.

Final Verdict: Betting Prediction

Prediction: Zhang Weili defeats Valentina Shevchenko by Decision.

Shevchenko is still a tactical genius, but Weili’s speed, strength, cardio, and pressure give her the overall edge. From a betting perspective, Weili simply carries fewer risks and offers more paths to victory in a close, competitive matchup.

For wagers, platforms like BetOnline, Boomerang Bet, 1xBet, and 22Bet offer reliable UFC lines and a wide variety of prop bets.