Valentina Shevchenko down for Zhang Weili super fight with UFC 315 win

MONTREAL – Valentina Shevchenko is interested in a UFC champion-vs.-champion fight with Zhang Weili.

Prior to being booked to defend her women’s flyweight title against Manon Fiorot in the UFC 315 co-main event on May 10 at Bell Centre in Montreal (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+), there was talk of Shevchenko next defending against strawweight titleholder Weili, who made her desire to move up and capture a second belt clear following a February defense over Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312.

The timing seemingly didn’t align next for Shevchenko (24-4-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC), but if she manages to retain her belt against Fiorot (12-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC), then “The Bullet” welcomes the idea of a super fight against Weili (26-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC).

“I’m open to all opportunities,” Shevchenko told MMA Junkie. “Weili, she showed a lot of heart in her fights and with all the years that she’s put into her performances, she’s showed that she’s a great fighter. Why not? It’s an amazing fight and I think all the fans are going to be excited to see that.”

Following Weili’s upset title defense over Suarez, UFC CEO Dana White said he was beyond impressed with the Chinese champion, and would oblige to he desires. It’s unknown why Weili, No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie women’s pound-for-pound rankings, isn’t facing No. 3-ranked Shevchenko next, but both fighters and White have publicly stated they are on board.

Weili could very well be waiting in the wings to face the UFC 315 winner, and Shevchenko said it’s currently her only focus to ensure that it’s her, and not Fiorot.

“For me, as I say every time, it’s one step at a time,” Shevchenko said. “I’m not looking to jump in front to do something like that. I am focused on my next fight right now. It’s going to be Manon, and after we’re done with that and I step forward, me and my team are going to think and see what is next for me.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 315.