Zhang Weili of China enters the Octagon in the UFC flyweight championship fight during the UFC 322 event at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2025 in New York City. Photo: VCG

 
China's MMA star, former UFC strawweight world champion Zhang Weili fell short in her first attempt at the UFC flyweight world title, losing to reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko on Saturday.

Shevchenko won the bout by unanimous decision after five rounds at UFC 322 in New York, the US.

"I gave everything I had, and I'm very sorry I didn't win. I did my best, and although I didn't succeed today, I will continue to work hard and make myself even stronger," Zhang told the live broadcast after the fight.

"I also want to tell fans watching at home: Don't worry about me, I'm fine," she added.

To challenge the flyweight title, Zhang had to vacate her strawweight world championship.

"I want to thank one more person: myself, Zhang Weili. I feel I am someone who can get back up after falling, someone who doesn't give up. I am very grateful for my own efforts," she said.

Moving up from UFC strawweight to flyweight, Zhang jumped from the 115-pound limit to 125 pounds, taking on a 10-pound (4.5-kilogram) increase and a new level of challenge.

The 36-year-old previously told the Global Times that she treated the challenge bout as a fresh start for her career, following her dominant performances in the UFC strawweight division.