This is the first of two super fights on this card and arguable the more impactful one because both of these women are their division's GOAT. Both are high level strikers who have added wrestling. My gut and my brain are split here. My gut is saying Valentina wins, she's slightly bigger, likely the cleaner striker and we know very durable. My brain however is saying that Weili is the better athlete and despite being around the same age, Valentina isn't who she used to be. I have flip flipped on this pick but looking at it, going back to the tape study, I am going to lean Weili. I think the wrestling may make the difference here and Weili's has looked fantastic.

Valentina Shevchenko

Valentina Schevchenko is one of the best fighters on the planet and one of the greatest champions in history. She won the belt in 2018 and defended it 7 times before losing it 2 years ago. Then to defy all the odds, she won it back late last year at 36 years old. She is a phenomenal striker, very good grappler and has true champion composure and mindset. Her striking is some of the best in any division, she's very technical and has enough power combined with the technique that she is putting people away. These last few years we've seen her game evolve and she's mixing in Judo and trip takedowns very well. She has 39 takedowns in her last 9 fights including 2 in her win against Manon Fiorot

Weili Zhang

Weili Zhang is the 7x Strawweight champion of the world. She is a striker who has evolved into a true mixed martial artist. She has very real power in her hands and lands an impressive almost 6 significant strikes per minute. She has added wrestling to her game plan and has 26 takedowns in her UFC career. She is coming off the title defense win Tatiana Suarez where she outclassed her everywhere.