While the potential women`s superfight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes at 135 pounds is generating buzz, another highly anticipated bout could be on the horizon in a lower weight class for UFC fans.
Speculation continues regarding Valentina Shevchenko`s next flyweight title defense. Following her victory over Manon Fiorot at UFC 315, Shevchenko was quickly challenged by the reigning strawweight champion, Zhang Weili.
Having established herself as the dominant force at 115 pounds, the Chinese star is pursuing the opportunity to join Amanda Nunes as only the second woman in UFC history to hold titles in two divisions simultaneously.
However, former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas isn`t giving her former opponent high odds in that potential matchup.
Rose Namajunas Predicts Shevchenko Victory Over Zhang Weili
Speaking with MMA Junkie ahead of her upcoming return to action in Atlanta, the former two-time strawweight queen shared her perspective on the Shevchenko vs. Zhang talk.
`Thug Rose` is intimately familiar with the current 115-pound champion`s talents, having faced her twice. Namajunas secured a knockout victory over Zhang with a head kick in their first meeting, before winning a split decision in the rematch.
With this experience, the flyweight contender is well-positioned to assess Zhang`s chances moving up a weight class. And while she doesn`t completely rule out `Magnum`, Namajunas ultimately favors Shevchenko prevailing.
“I would lean more towards Valentina,” Namajunas stated.
“I do think Weili would have a chance. I think she`s quick enough, and in her last fight, she showed a lot of elevation to her game.”
“I think she would do pretty well,” Namajunas added. “I just think Valentina is the better martial artist. At the end of the day, that`s just kind of who I would pick.”
“But, I mean, she (Zhang) has a chance, you know?”
Namajunas Also Has Her Eyes on a Shot at Shevchenko
Zhang is not the only fighter vying for the next shot at Shevchenko`s title. While Natalia Silva recently bolstered her position with a win over former champion Alexa Grasso, Namajunas intends to make her own case in her upcoming bout.
`Thug Rose` is set to co-headline Saturday`s UFC Fight Night event in Atlanta, preceding the main event between Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley.
Namajunas will step into the octagon against Miranda Maverick, a former training partner.
Despite facing an opponent currently ranked lower, the former strawweight champion isn`t dismissing the possibility that a strong performance could earn her first shot at the flyweight title.
