Life is good for former UFC strawweight champion Weili Zhang, who moves up in weight to challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322 on Saturday night.
Weili (26-3) has taken a different approach to this camp, adjusting to life in a higher weight class. Cutting to 125 pounds has been a far easier process, no more starving herself to make 115.
“I feel very different because before I (fought) at strawweight, I dead long time,” Weili told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“Everyday I watched delicious food. So this time I can eat. I eat a lot, I have a lot of energy training.”
As fight night approaches, Weili isn’t underestimating the task at hand. She’s well aware of Valentina Shevchenko’s credentials, and still believes it’s her moment to make history.
“I think Valentina is very good, very strong, and striking is very good. 13 times world champion Muay Thai, right? So striking is very good. Longtime flyweight champion so I think this Saturday comes, And New,” she said.
When breaking down her opponent’s skill set, Weili didn’t hesitate to praise Shevchenko’s well-rounded game. She also emphasized her own mindset heading into the fight.
“Valentina’s technique is very good. Wrestling is good,” she said.
“I just want to (be) like water. Smooth.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Weili Zhang above. She faces Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 322 on Saturday night.
