Tag: Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili submits Carla Esparza to reclaim UFC strawweight championship – UFC 281 Highlights

Carla EsparzaSix months removed from her not-so-celebrated UFC strawweight title win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas at UFC 274, Carla Esparza put her championship on the line against former titleholder Zhang Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event. With an unprecedented 2,612 separating her first world title reign from her second, Esparza walked UFC 281 in a […]

Carla Esparza

Six months removed from her not-so-celebrated UFC strawweight title win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas at UFC 274, Carla Esparza put her championship on the line against former titleholder Zhang Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event.

With an unprecedented 2,612 separating her first world title reign from her second, Esparza walked UFC 281 in a unique position as the heavy underdog against one of the most prolific finishers in strawweight history. Was ‘Cookie Monster’ able to implement her wrestle-heavy game or did Zhang Weili once again capture UFC gold?

Zhang came out in the opening round immediately putting pressure on Esparza. Landing some solid shots and a glancing head kick, Esparza responded by shooting for a takedown but was immediately reversed. Both women scrambled for the dominant position before getting back to their feet. Esparza once again shot for a takedown, but again, found herself in an inferior position. In the second, Esparza immediately comes out shooting for a takedown. Zhang is able to scramble, taking Esparza’s back in the process, and sinks in a rear-naked choke forcing ‘Cookie Monster’ to tap out in round two.

Official Result: Zhang Weili def. Carla Esparza via submission (rear-naked choke) 1:05 of Round 2

Check out Highlights From Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili at UFC 281 Below:

Carla Esparza: Zhang Weili Underestimated Rose Like She’s Doing Me

UFC Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza feels Zhang Weili is overlooking her and that it could lead to her downfall. Esparza will defend her title against Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event on Saturday. She earned the belt by defeating Rose Namajunas vi…

UFC Strawweight Champion Carla Esparza feels Zhang Weili is overlooking her and that it could lead to her downfall. Esparza will defend her title against Weili in the UFC 281 co-main event on Saturday. She earned the belt by defeating Rose Namajunas via a split decision earlier this year at UFC 274. Weili will get…

Continue Reading Carla Esparza: Zhang Weili Underestimated Rose Like She’s Doing Me at MMA News.

UFC 281 Predictions: Bleacher Report Main Card Staff Picks

Each November, the UFC takes over New York City’s hallowed Madison Square Garden with a blockbuster pay-per-view. That time of year is once again upon us: this…

Each November, the UFC takes over New York City’s hallowed Madison Square Garden with a blockbuster pay-per-view. That time of year is once again upon us: this…

Rose Namajunas Makes Her Prediction For Carla Esparza Vs. Zhang Weili

Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas feels Zhang Weili vs. Carla Esparza will be more competitive than most believe. Namajunas lost the strawweight belt to Esparza at UFC 274 earlier this year. The fight wasn’t exactly entertaining and …

Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas feels Zhang Weili vs. Carla Esparza will be more competitive than most believe. Namajunas lost the strawweight belt to Esparza at UFC 274 earlier this year. The fight wasn’t exactly entertaining and featured lackluster action from start to finish. After earning a split decision win, Esparza will defend her…

Continue Reading Rose Namajunas Makes Her Prediction For Carla Esparza Vs. Zhang Weili at MMA News.

Zhang Weili impressively lifts Francis Ngannou off the ground in training footage

Zhang WeiliFormer UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili is just days away from the opportunity to recapture UFC gold at UFC 281 on November 12th. Weili will be the first to challenge new strawweight queen Carla Esparza after ‘Cookie Monster’ scored a split decision win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas in what many called the worst fight in […]

Zhang Weili

Former UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili is just days away from the opportunity to recapture UFC gold at UFC 281 on November 12th.

Weili will be the first to challenge new strawweight queen Carla Esparza after ‘Cookie Monster’ scored a split decision win over ‘Thug’ Rose Namajunas in what many called the worst fight in UFC history. Nevertheless, Esparza earned the victory and began her second reign 2,612 after her first reign came to an end.

Deep into preparation for the highly anticipated UFC title fight, Zhang Weili put in some work at the gym alongside UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. In a clip posted on Ngannou’s Twitter, Weili is seen impressively picking up the 239-pound heavyweight with relative ease.

“I can’t believe that @zhangweilimma just picked me up like I wasn’t 293lbs. I didn’t want her to do it I was scared of her hurting her back and was trying to explain this to her….then found myself suddenly up in the air. Her strength ratio is through the roof.”

Zhang Weili Excited to Test Her Skills Against an Elite Wrestler Like Carla Esparza

Zhang Weili is known for her standup wars, specifically her 2020 Fight of the Year against former women’s champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk and their subsequent rematch at UFC 275. At UFC 281, Weili will fight a woman whose success primarily comes on the ground rather than the feet. Riding a six-fight win streak, Esparza is notorious for getting her opponents to the ground and grinding out a win. That will be a unique test for Weili who has typically only fought other strikers.

“Because Joanna and Carla, they are different fighters… Joanna is a stand-up fighter, Carla is a wrestler, so our tactics will definitely have some changes,” said Weili in an appearance on the Fruiting Body Podcast. It’s my first time fighting a wrestler, I’ve never fought a wrestler before,” she concluded. “I’m very excited and I also want to test my wrestling and my controlling skills.”

While Esparza is known for wrestling her opponents into oblivion, Zhang Weili is a much different fighter. In 22 career wins, Weili has 11 victories by way of knockout and another seven via submission. If Weili can fend off the relentless takedowns of Esparza, she stands a good chance of catching ‘Cookie Monster’ who will have a significant disadvantage on the feet. If Esparza is able to implement her wrestling, it will be a very long night for Weili and the fans watching UFC 281.