Shevchenko shuts out Zhang to retain flyweight title at UFC 322 - ESPN

NEW YORK — Valentina Shevchenko solidified herself as the No. 1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world on Saturday, when she defended her 125-pound flyweight championship with a dominant win over former strawweight champion Zhang Weili (26-4) in the co-main event of UFC 322 inside Madison Square Garden

Shevchenko (26-4-1) tied fellow legend Amanda Nunes for the most wins in UFC title fight history with 11.

Saturday's fight was billed as one of the biggest matchups in women's MMA history, as Zhang vacated her 115-pound title in order to move up and challenge Shevchenko in August. The action itself proved to be very one-sided, however, and Shevchenko ultimately won every round on all three judges' scorecards.

«This is the art of martial arts,» Shevchenko said. «When there is an opponent who is super hard in their weight class against all other opponents, but when they are here, in front of me, they can't do anything.»

Shevchenko, 37, held a clear advantage in every area of the fight, especially in grappling. She repeatedly took Zhang down and controlled her on the floor. She neutralized all aspects of Zhang's offense, expertly dictating distance and timing her takedowns. Most of Shevchenko's work came on the ground, although she also found success on the feet with kicks to the legs and body.

«I was prepared for the hardest challenge,» Shevchenko said. «I knew I couldn't exchange with Weili, she has super punching power. That's why I was working very hard and smart to use distance and wrestling.»

According to UFC Stats, Shevchenko outlanded Zhang in total strikes 137-80 and converted five of six takedown attempts. She only needed one takedown per round, as Zhang simply could not work back to her feet. Shevchenko