Zhang Weili defended her straw weight title with a sensational display on UFC 312.
Tatiana Suarez entered her first UFC title match as a favorite after collecting a perfect 10-0 record.
However, she was surpassed by Zhang Weili in five rounds in the Qudos Arena in Syndy, Australia.
Ultimately, the UFC 312 Co-Main event ended with the champion that retained its belt through the harmful decision.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Zhang Weili dominates Tatiana Suarez on UFC 312
It was a quiet round one in terms of action, with fans even at some point. However, Suarez got an early branchedown and established a good control before making the mistake of jumping for a guillotine choke and giving up the position.
Suarez landed another Takedown early in the second frame, but her opponent returned and ended up in the mountain. Zhang was pronounced and unpleased with annoying soil attacks before they threatened her own choke attempt during a emphatic returned.
The champion continued to show why she might be the best 115 pound hunter of all time in round three when she seriously rocked Suarez with a wild right hand. The challenger did her best to struggle, but looked more and more desperate and had no success.
It was more of the same in round four when Zhang came close with an attempt at an arm triangle and showed why she has been dominated to Stroweight for so long.
Zhang drove to victory in the fifth frame before the jury members confirmed the winner by decision.
Scorecards from 49–46, 49–46, 49-45 saw the Chinese superstar defend her belt for the third time.
What is the next step for Zhang Weili?
It gets to indicate where Zhang may have to go up in weight for a new challenge.
Former two -time stream weight champion Rose Namajunas has two victories over 'Magnum'. Of course she would like to take revenge, but 'Thug' competes at 125 pounds since her shock loss against Carla Esparza in May 2022.
It is unclear whether she will be willing to lose a division to visit her again with Zhang in 2025.
If not, the champion can go up to make that fight or immediately jump into a title match with Valentina Shevchenko, who is looking for a new Challange after being confronted with Alex Grasso in three consual fights.
Only time will reveal what the next one is for Zhang, but it is clear that big things are for the most dominant female champion in MMA.
Comments