TLDR
- Valentina Shevchenko rejected a potential fight with Ronda Rousey, saying it made more sense years ago but not at this point in both fighters’ careers
- Shevchenko defeated Zhang Weili at UFC 322 with a dominant decision victory, tying Amanda Nunes’ record with her 11th UFC title fight win
- The 37-year-old flyweight champion advised Rousey to take lower-level fights before returning to top competition after an eight-year absence
- Shevchenko is considering a move to bantamweight to face either Amanda Nunes or current champion Kayla Harrison
- Ronda Rousey has been posting training videos recently, sparking comeback speculation despite retiring in 2017
Valentina Shevchenko has shut down talk of a superfight with Ronda Rousey. The UFC flyweight champion addressed the possibility during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show following her victory at UFC 322.
Shevchenko defeated Zhang Weili at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025. The win marked her 11th UFC title fight victory, tying Amanda Nunes’ record. At 37 years old, she dominated the former strawweight champion through five rounds.
"I won't rush too much to get back into the Octagon."
Valentina Shevchenko (@BulletValentina) successfully defends her flyweight title for the second time at #VeChain #UFC322.
Complete Main Card Results ➡️ https://t.co/wpItLrKOB4 pic.twitter.com/mmmlYlHCKf
— UFC News (@UFCNews) November 16, 2025
When asked about fighting Rousey, Shevchenko said it would have made more sense years ago. She explained that the timing doesn’t work at this point in their careers. The champion noted that her longest layoff lasted under a year, while Rousey has been away for eight years.
Rousey retired from MMA in 2017 after back-to-back knockout losses. She has recently posted training videos that sparked speculation about a comeback. The former bantamweight champion is now 38 years old and has spent time in WWE and raising her family.
Shevchenko did offer advice if Rousey decides to return. She recommended taking several lower-level fights first. This would help Rousey get back into competition shape and adjust to the pressure of fighting again.
UFC President Dana White has commented on Rousey’s physical condition. He said she is in great shape and looks ripped like she used to be. The timing aligns with the UFC entering a new $7.7 billion broadcasting deal.
Future Plans at Flyweight and Bantamweight
Shevchenko is now looking at multiple options for her next fight. She mentioned considering a move to bantamweight after taking time to recover from injuries. The champion wants to address issues that have carried over from training camp to training camp.
At flyweight, Shevchenko identified Erin Blanchfield and Natalia Silva as viable challengers. Both fighters have earned their position in the division. Silva from Brazil is particularly deserving of a title shot.
The bantamweight division offers more intriguing matchups for Shevchenko. Amanda Nunes, who defeated Shevchenko twice in 2016 and 2017, has teased a return. Those fights were close decisions that left questions unanswered.
Shevchenko welcomed Nunes to drop down to flyweight for a trilogy fight. She said Nunes talks a lot while being in semi-retirement. The champion suggested Nunes feels safe speaking without a fight booked yet.
The Kayla Harrison Factor
Kayla Harrison presents another option at bantamweight. The current champion is expected to face Nunes upon her return next year. Shevchenko called Harrison another super challenge and one of the possibilities for her future.
Before UFC 322, many fans and analysts favored Zhang Weili to win. Shevchenko entered as the betting underdog. She said people praised Zhang’s size, strength, speed and explosiveness leading up to the fight.
The champion remained confident despite the predictions. She knew she possessed different skills, speed and strength than Zhang’s previous opponents. Professionals who understand martial arts saw the reality clearly, according to Shevchenko.
Do you want to see Kayla Harrison fight Valentina Shevchenko at the #UFCWhiteHouse card next year? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/mQu5tcGvD0
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 4, 2025
The fight drew criticism from some fans for being wrestling-heavy. Shevchenko responded that you cannot please everyone. She said people have different opinions and varying levels of martial arts knowledge.
Ronda Rousey publicly supported Zhang Weili before UFC 322. The former champion told Zhang to steal the show and prove women can be main event attractions. Rousey said future female fighters care more about exciting performances than who wins.
