Zhang Weili may not be fighting on the card at UFC Shanghai/ UFC Fight Night 257, but her presence is already looming large over the event! The Octagon returns to China for the first time since 2017, and who better to represent the nation than its first UFC champion? ‘Magnum’ has been out of action since defending her strawweight crown against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 earlier this year, and now, with a single photo, the conversation has shifted toward the long-rumored “superfight” against Valentina Shevchenko!

Ahead of the event, the 36-year-old posted a picture on Instagram, wearing a sharp suit and sporting a confident smile. The image instantly spread across social media, with fans praising not just her style but also pushing for something much bigger: a clash against ‘Bullet’.

But she isn’t just a fighter anymore. Zhang Weili has become a global figure. From starring in films to fronting Estée Lauder’s bold campaigns, she has merged combat sports with fashion and entertainment. In July, she signed with Paradigm Sports, joining a roster that includes icons like Mike Tyson and Amanda Serrano.

Still, the Octagon remains her main stage. And in a conversation with MMA Junkie, she confessed, “I want to go up” when asked about her future. The move would put her in line to face Valentina Shevchenko, the reigning queen at flyweight. Asked if she worried about giving up her strawweight belt, she admitted she wasn’t sure what the promotion would decide, as she admitted, “I don’t know – let me see what happens.”

What Zhang Weili did make clear, however, was that she isn’t underestimating Shevchenko. According to her, “I need to be very well-rounded. I need to prepare all my techniques. It really depends on who gets the right chance and who has the right mentality.” No bold predictions, no trash talk, just respect and preparation. And maybe that’s why fans are even louder in calling for this fight as we take a look at what the netizens had to say!

Fan demand for Valentina Shevchenko vs Zhang Weili heats up with viral social media post by the Chinese UFC star

One fan wrote, “Valentina super fight before year end?” That single line captured the buzz. UFC fans have been teased with talks of this matchup for a while. Now, with both fighters still holding their respective belts, the timing feels right. This comment wasn’t a question as much as it was a demand for the UFC and Dana White to finally make it happen.

Another fan kept it simple with, “Looking good Champ!” Sometimes, a picture says enough. Beyond the call for fights, Zhang Weili has built a reputation for being one of the most charismatic figures in MMA.

One comment read, “When are you fighting Valentina? Time is of the essence.” There’s clearly urgency here. Fans know that opportunities for super fights are fleeting. Injuries, losses, or shifting divisions can make dream bouts disappear. The message is clear: if the UFC wants this fight, it has to be now.

A different fan looked backward as they pointed out, “Run it back with Thug Rose!!!!” The rivalry with Rose Namajunas defined part of Zhang’s career, with ‘Thug Rose’ coming out on top at UFC 261 and UFC 268. Some fans would love closure with a trilogy, reminding us that ‘Magnum’s story may have multiple potential chapters, not just Shevchenko. What do you think?

Another longtime follower shared, “Zhang I’ve been following you since before you signed a contract in UFC and I’m extremely happy for everything you’ve achieved, I’m so happy.” That kind of loyalty shows how far she has come. From fighting on the regional scene in China to becoming a two-time UFC champion and a global celebrity, Zhang Weili ’s journey has inspired countless fans.

Zhang Weili ’s latest post may have been nothing more than a stylish snapshot, but the reaction proves otherwise. Fans don’t just see a champion in a suit; they see a fighter standing at the crossroads of history. Whether it’s a long-awaited trilogy with Rose Namajunas or the blockbuster clash with Valentina Shevchenko, the demand is deafening. The question now becomes, will the UFC seize the moment and finally give the fans the “superfight” they’ve been waiting for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!