Tag: Zhang Weili

Bisping: If I Was Matchmaker, I’d Book Zhang vs. J?drzejczyk 2

Michael Bisping believes former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili’s next fight should be a rematch against Joanna J?drzejczyk.

Weili was in action earlier this month at UFC 268. In the Madison Square Garden-held pay-per-view’s co-main ev…

Michael Bisping, Joanna J?drzejczyk & Zhang Weili

Michael Bisping believes former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili’s next fight should be a rematch against Joanna J?drzejczyk.

Weili was in action earlier this month at UFC 268. In the Madison Square Garden-held pay-per-view’s co-main event, “Magnum” looked to regain the 115-pound gold having lost it seven months prior. However, in her second meeting in the Octagon with Rose Namajunas this year, Weili once again came up short.

When the pair first collided inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena at UFC 261, the Chinese star, who was on a 21-fight winning streak at the time, was knocked out for the first time in her career. Having decimated Jéssica Andrade to win the title, and taken the bests shots J?drzejczyk had to offer in her first defense, many expected Weili to move past Namajunas. Instead, a left head kick sent her to the ground and meant she left Florida without the championship.

After being granted an immediate rematch, Weili switched up her hairstyle and training ahead of UFC 268. But in a tight and competitive affair, “Magnum” fell on the wrong side of a split decision on November 6.

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Bisping Wants To Run Back 2020’s FOTY

Despite back-to-back losses, many believed Weili did enough to earn the nod on the scorecards at MSG, and her form prior to 2021 means she won’t have fallen too far from contention. In fact, it’s likely one impressive victory over a top contender will see her fight for gold again.

While Carla Esparza is clearly the frontrunner for the next title shot, something Namajunas believes to be the case, Marina Rodriguez has also established herself as a challenge to the strawweight throne. Despite the Brazilian’s surge up the ladder, UFC Hall of Famer Bisping has another opponent in mind for Weili’s next outing.

Speaking in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, “The Count” suggested the former champion should run back her Fight of the Year clash with Poland’s Joanna J?drzejczyk.

“If Zhang gets another shot, she’s gonna have to earn it. Unfortunately, there’s some tough people out there. When I say tough people, I’m talking about Joanna J?drzejczyk, right, because everyone wants to see that rematch. Zhang wants to fight for the belt again, no doubt about it, she’s a tough competitor… but to do that, she needs to win some more fights.

“I mean, I don’t know, I’m not the matchmaker, it’s not my job. But if I was Dana White, Sean Shelby, or Mick Maynard, I’m saying, ‘Okay, the next fight for Zhang Weili is pretty easy (to decide); Joanna J?drzejczyk.’ That first fight was Fight of the Year. Both ladies just didn’t give a shit did they. They beat the crap out of each other. Just stood there for five rounds and just went mental. It was insane.”

Weili Zhang Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Image Credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

In a back-and-forth five-round war at UFC 248, Weili and J?drzejczyk threw everything they had at each other. Since falling short of victory, and sustaining a brutal-looking hematoma in the process, the Pole hasn’t returned to action. She was even recently removed from the rankings.

Discussing J?drzejczyk’s desire to fight for gold and to receive a bigger piece of the UFC’s financial cake, Bisping suggested she can achieve both goals by entering the Octagon with Weili for the second time.

“They’ve gotta make that fight again. That was the Fight of the Year, and now they’re both in a position where they wanna fight for the belt. Joanna J?drzejczyk came out and said she only wants to fight in title fights… How does she get fast-tracked to the belt? How does she get back to the table to stuff that cake in her face? Well, she goes through Zhang Weili. She beats Zhang Weili, boom, there it is.”

Would you like to see Zhang Weili vs. Joanna J?drzejczyk 2?

Continue Reading Bisping: If I Was Matchmaker, I’d Book Zhang vs. J?drzejczyk 2 at MMA News.

Namajunas Reveals What Was Said During Zhang Rematch At UFC 268

UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas has revealed what was said during her rematch with Zhang Weili at UFC 268.

At UFC 261, Namajunas became the only woman in UFC history to regain a belt after losing it. After a slam at the hands of Jés…

Rose Namajunas, Zhang Weili

UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Rose Namajunas has revealed what was said during her rematch with Zhang Weili at UFC 268.

At UFC 261, Namajunas became the only woman in UFC history to regain a belt after losing it. After a slam at the hands of Jéssica Andrade saw her dethroned in 2019, “Thug Rose” secured a chance at redemption against Weili earlier this year after emerging victorious in a rematch against Andrade. Making the most of her title shot, Namajunas knocked “Magnum” out less than a minute-and-a-half into the opening round.

Having snapped the Chinese star’s 21-fight winning streak and unbeaten UFC record, Namajunas began her second reign on the 115-pound throne with a rematch against Weili. As many expected, their second clash this past weekend was a much more competitive affair and went the full 25-minute distance. In the end, it was the champion who fell on the right side of a tight split decision.

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Namajunas’ “I’m The Best” Affirmation Rings True At MSG

Following UFC 261, a clip of Namajunas repeatedly saying to herself “I’m the best” went viral, with sports teams around the world using the affirmation in their own endeavours. Even UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno was inspired ahead of his own title crowning against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 263.

During her Madison Square Garden walkout on Saturday, “Thug Rose” looked to motivate herself with the same words again. She also brought the phrase out inside the Octagon during the co-main event clash. But this time, Weili had a response. Speaking at the UFC 268 post-fight press conference, Namajunas shared a verbal interaction she had with her rival during their five-round championship rematch.

“I was saying, ‘I’m the best,’ and then she was saying, ‘I’m the champion!’ [LAUGHS] And then she came out, and I was like, ‘I’m the best!’ So yeah, we was going back and forth.”

While Weili looks to rebound back into title contention in her next outing, Namajunas will be hoping to successfully record the second defense of her second strawweight reign when she returns to action. Despite both the commentary team and UFC President Dana White seemingly dismissing her title credentials, the obvious next contender is Carla Esparza.

Not only has “Cookie Monster” built a five-fight win streak that includes victories over Marina Rodriguez, Yan Xiaonan, Michelle Waterson, and Alexa Grasso, she also defeated Namajunas to become the inaugural 115-pound champ when they collided in 2014, leaving a ready-built storyline for a rematch. After Namajunas expressed her own desire to run it back with Esparza, it seems unlikely the promotion can turn a blind eye to that rematch.

Who should Rose Namajunas defend her strawweight title against next?

Continue Reading Namajunas Reveals What Was Said During Zhang Rematch At UFC 268 at MMA News.

Zhang Weili Happier Losing “Fairly” To Namajunas This Time Around

Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili believes her rematch with Rose Namajunas was a better and fairer showcase of their skills inside the Octagon.

The pair ran it back in the UFC 268 co-main event this past weekend. The blockbuster c…

Zhang Weili, Rose Namajunas

Former UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili believes her rematch with Rose Namajunas was a better and fairer showcase of their skills inside the Octagon.

The pair ran it back in the UFC 268 co-main event this past weekend. The blockbuster card, which took place inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, saw two championship rematches take place. Prior to Kamaru Usman’s second victory over Colby Covington, Namajunas recorded the first defense of her second reign as strawweight queen.

Having knocked Weili out at UFC 261 in April and, in doing so, ending the former champ’s 21-fight winning streak, “Thug Rose” became the first woman in UFC history to regain a title after previously losing it. After the promotion booked an immediate rematch, Namajunas upset the odds once again. In a razor-close result, which many believe “Magnum” edged, Namajunas fell on the right side of a split decision.

Zhang: Rematch Was A Better Showcase Of Our Skills

At the culmination of the rematch, Weili was certainly more accepting of the loss than when she was dethroned earlier this year. The narrative heading into the first clash surrounded some controversial comments and links Namajunas made between Weili and communism, the ideology with which her home country of China is governed by.

After hearing considerable boos inside the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, “Magnum” accused Namajunas of attempting to turn the crowd against her ahead of their fight. Despite the champ’s willingness to befriend her rival, Weili claimed she didn’t feel friendly towards Namajunas anymore. At the UFC 268 post-fight press conference, the Chinese star was asked whether there is still some bad blood between the pair following their five-round rematch.

In response, Weili maintained that Namajunas had used some tactics outside of the Octagon to gain an advantage in April. However, the 32-year-old believes their second clash saw a much fairer fight, and was one in which the result was determined by their skills and performances inside the cage.

“I think for the first fight, maybe she just wanted to win, so she used those different tactics outside the Octagon that (got her an) advantage. I think for this fight, we’re competing in the Octagon fairly. I think I would like to just showcase our skills and strengths or ability inside the Octagon. I think that’s what we should focus on.”

While Namajunas gets set for her next title defense, which will be against Carla Esparza if the promotion wants to maintain any resemblance of a meritocracy, Weili will be looking to return to the win column in her next outing.

Who would you like to see Zhang Weili face next as she looks to return to title contention?

Continue Reading Zhang Weili Happier Losing “Fairly” To Namajunas This Time Around at MMA News.

Zhang Weili After UFC 268 Defeat: “I Will Get My Belt Back”

Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili isn’t giving up on her pursuit of a second stint with UFC gold after her UFC 268 defeat.

Weili and UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas went back-and-forth for five rounds at UFC 268, but in the end, i…

Zhang Weili

Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili isn’t giving up on her pursuit of a second stint with UFC gold after her UFC 268 defeat.

Weili and UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas went back-and-forth for five rounds at UFC 268, but in the end, it was Namajunas who earned the victory on the scorecards. Weili had significant moments throughout the fight, but many believed Namajunas was the more active fighter in the exchanges.

It was a completely different fight from their first matchup at UFC 261, which ended in a Namajunas head kick knockout. Weili showed vast improvements with her grappling and hit Namajunas with heavy shots.

Despite the disappointing second loss to Namajunas, Weili says she’s keeping her head up moving forward.

Zhang Weili Isn’t Ruling Out A Third Fight With Rose Namajunas

Rose Namajunas def. Zhang Weili at UFC 268: Best photos | MMA Junkie
Image Credit: Ed Mulholland, USA TODAY Sports

“I think today’s fight (was) a close fight. I think we both performed the best of ourselves,” Weili said during the post-fight press conference. “I’m very much looking forward to a rematch with Rose. And also, I believe that I will get my belt back if I have the opportunity.”

Many believe that a Namajunas/Weili third bout isn’t completely out of the question moving forward. Namajunas will more than likely face top contender Carla Esparza for her next title defense but could meet Weili again down the line.

After getting word of Weili’s post-fight comments, Namajunas praised her determination and desire for a third bout.

“She’s committed to martial arts and being the best, so I’m sure she’s gonna do whatever it takes to try to contend for that title again,” Namajunas said during her post-fight presser. “So I wouldn’t be surprised, but we’ll see.”

Namajunas and Weili are arguably two of the best strawweight champions in UFC history. Both have accumulated massive star power worldwide and a third fight is sure to entice the interest of fans once again.

Do you think Zhang Weili will be a UFC champion again at some point?

Continue Reading Zhang Weili After UFC 268 Defeat: “I Will Get My Belt Back” at MMA News.

7 Takeaways from UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2

UFC 268 featured two title fights that had two champions defend their titles. A lightweight war between two top contenders would certainly line up the winner for the next shot at the 155-pound champ and the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden did no…

Usman Covington Face-Off

UFC 268 featured two title fights that had two champions defend their titles. A lightweight war between two top contenders would certainly line up the winner for the next shot at the 155-pound champ and the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden did not disappoint.

There was a lot to take away from UFC 268, here are some things that stood out.

The World’s Most Famous Arena

The UFC has not been to Madison Square Garden since UFC 244, where the main event was for a belt that would never be contested again in the BMF title. That was in 2019 when Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz fought for that title. The COVID-19 pandemic kept the UFC away from The Garden so this is their first one back in The Big Apple.  Oddly enough, the man that would be the current unofficial BMF titleholder and current welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman headlined the card against another fighter he had already crossed hands with. That with a title fight in the co-main event featuring a champion that won a title there in Rose Namajunas made it seem like the UFC hasn’t been gone long at all.

Honoring Anthony Causi

The UFC takes a lot of heat when something they do, especially with the media, is concerned but rarely do they get attention when they do something nice. COVID 19 kept the UFC out of New York for a year but that didn’t stop them from returning and honoring The New York Post’s Anthony Causi. A photographer that would have been shooting cage side tonight had he not been one of the casualties of the pandemic. The UFC still posted a plaque where he would have been posted for the event. See the image shared by the New York Post’s Scott Fontana:

Last minute lineup change

One thing fans may or may not have seen as a treat was the lightweight match-up between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler was moved to the opener for the pay-per-view portion of the main card. The announcement was made during fight week because between Kamaru Usman, Rose Namajunas, and Gaethje, coach Trevor Wittman would have to just be cage-side for three fights in a row and after what came of Gaethje and Chandler, it seems like it was the right call. Gaethje certainly thinks so.

Chris Barnett vs Gian Villante

A lot was going on in this match-up, but what went on after Barnett scored the knockout over Villante is one of those moments, among many that Madison Square Garden holds that make the place so special. Barnett used his time to honor his opponent Villante, a New York native who seemed to be retiring with this fight in his hometown.  The finish was good too, but what Barnett did was honorable. 

A Lightweight Warzone

Speaking of Gaethje and Chandler. The fight delivered in more ways than expected simply because these two men ran into each other over and over again and neither man wanted to stop. Chandler’s been in wars before and Gaethje likes to make every fight a war. It was fun, but Gaethje would prove the more durable fighter of the two former lightweight champions. Both men were transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure but Chandler seemed to need the trip more than Gaethje did.

And Still

Namajunas was able to fend off Zhang Weili for the second time, but it was a split decision which means there’s likely a trilogy in the future, but there’s another former champion waiting in the wings. In the post-fight press conference, Dana White said fighters should not wait for fights but it looks like both Carla Esparza and Joanna J?drzejczyk seem to insist on doing just that. The strawweight division has a lot of the same players, so someone has to shake it up, right?

The Nightmare Continues

Kamaru Usman was able to defend his title against Colby Covington, but Covington was able to win the respect of Usman and maybe some fans in his attempt to become a champion. It was also a reminder that Covington is more than the gimmick he’s been running, he’s a legitimate contender. Usman seems to have beaten everyone there is to beat but Covington did do better than the last time. A trilogy after a unanimous decision is a hard sell, so fans will have to wait and see what’s coming in the welterweight division.

There’s obviously more to take away from this event than what is listed here. What’s next for the champions and winners is always fun to speculate but for all the established fighters and champions, new blood seems to be coming in more than ever so the matches to make are endless.

What did you take away from the event?

Continue Reading 7 Takeaways from UFC 268: Usman vs Covington 2 at MMA News.

Rose Namajunas Defends Title In Close Decision Win Over Zhang Weili – UFC 268 Highlights

Rose NamajunasAnd Still. Two-time UFC strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas has secured the first successful strawweight title defense of her second reign as champion — narrowly edging out former titleholder, Zhang Weili with a split decision (49-48, 48-49, 49-46) triumph in the co-headliner of UFC 268. Taking the opening round against the Hebei native with her accurate […]

Rose Namajunas

And Still. Two-time UFC strawweight champion, Rose Namajunas has secured the first successful strawweight title defense of her second reign as champion — narrowly edging out former titleholder, Zhang Weili with a split decision (49-48, 48-49, 49-46) triumph in the co-headliner of UFC 268.

Taking the opening round against the Hebei native with her accurate striking, Namajunas managed to score a lot more with her volume striking — with Weili looking to get the fight to the ground whenever possible.

Still entirely dangerous in the pocket and in close quarters, Weili managed to wobble Wisconsin native, Namajunas, and without dropping the champion — Weili’s striking especially during drawn-out exchanges seemed to grab the attention of the defending champion, as did the constant flurry of leg kicks.

Controlling the fight for some considerable time in the fifth round, Namajunas, under the tutelage of Trevor Wittman and Pat Barry took Weili down early in the fifth and final frame — controlling the challenger for some significant time on top prior to the final klaxon.

Below, catch the highlights from Namajunas’ successful defense against Weili.