JN SPORTS - 'Magnum' primed for shot with 'Bullet'

'Magnum' primed for shot with 'Bullet' UFC strawweight champ Zhang chases bigger challenge, with flyweight supremo Shevchenko in her sights Riding on the momentum from her successful title defense against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in February, China's reigning strawweight champion Zhang Weili is primed to step up her challenge as she calls on the Las Vegas-based MMA promotion's flyweight belt holder Valentina Shevchenko for a 'super fight' between two fearsome champs before the end of 2025. XINHUA/ZUFFA/LLC

Out-sized and overpowered? UFC's strawweight queen Zhang Weili dismisses the physical challenge of her ambitious division leap, drawing on her finesse to punch above her weight.

Ever since she tamed American challenger Tatiana Suarez in February to successfully defend her strawweight title a third straight time, Zhang has not been shy about expressing her desire to try her hand in the heavier, and more brutal, flyweight class, currently ruled by Valentina Shevchenko of Kyrgyzstan.

The proud Chinese striker, who's almost done it all in the 115-pound (52kg) class with two championship reigns, has again called on the Las Vegas-based promotion and Shevchenko to book a date for a mouthwatering "super fight" between two formidable champs.

If all goes to plan, the "Magnum" hopes to take her shot at a second belt before the end of this year.

"I wish we could get it settled as soon as possible, hopefully before the end of 2025," Zhang told China Daily after the UFC announced last month that it will bring its Fight Night back to Shanghai for the first time since 2017.

"The negotiation, as far as I know, is going on right now. I think Valentina is also interested in it because that's what the fans would want to see.

"Now it's up to the UFC to decide whether they are going to make it happen," said Zhang, who will have to muscle up by more than four kilograms to match the standard in the 125-pound flyweight division.

"I won't have size or power on my side heading into the flyweight division, but I believe I can be competitive there with the right adjustments tactically and mentally.

"I need to fight more with my brain and my heart, going with more precision and finesse."