Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Reigning UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang is expected to defend her title next against former champion Rose Namajunas.
This is according to UFC president Dana White, who revealed the promotion’s plans during UFC Vegas 10’s post-fight press conference (full replay HERE). While the UFC president didn’t offer up too many details about the proposed women’s strawweight title fight at least he offered up some clarity to the division.
“We’re working on that right now,” said White when asked what’s next for Zhang.
“That’s the fight we want to make,” he said in regards to Namajunas. “So we’re working on it.”
Some thought former UFC champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk might have landed a rematch with Zhang after their Fight of the Year performance back in March (highlights HERE). But considering Joanna has lost her last four UFC title shots and is asking for “big money” to rematch Zhang, Namajunas seems to be sliding in at the perfect time.
Namajunas, 28, is coming off an impressive decision win over former champion Jessica Andrade this past July at UFC 251. It was a rematch of their initial meeting back at UFC 237, which saw Andrade knock “Thug” unconscious with a monstrous slam (watch it HERE). Namajunas has been trying to earn her chance to reclaim her title ever since and now has the inside track.
Hopefully the potential title fight doesn’t encounter any snags at the negotiating table.
Stick with Mania for more details on Zhang vs. Namajunas.