At noon Beijing time on November 13, the 281st episode of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) was held in Madison Square Garden, New York, USA. In the women's strawweight championship as a co-main event, China's Zhang Weili regained the division's title belt by defeating current champion Carla Espazza from the United States in the second round.
In August 2019, Zhang Weili defeated Jessica Andrade in Shenzhen to claim the UFC Women's Strawweight World Belt for the first time and became the first UFC World Champion from Asia.
A year later, she defended her title by winning five rounds at UFC 248 over Joanna Jedelzesik.
However, in 2021, Zhang Weili was knocked out by her opponent Ross Namayunas in the first leg of her second title defense, lost the belt, and then lost by a split decision in the match against Ross.
In June, the regrouped Teo won by knocking out old rival Joanna in Singapore and also won the qualification to re-challenge for the belt. After winning the belt again today, she became the third fighter to regain the women's strawweight title after Ross and Carla.
UFC 281｜2022.11.13
Zhang Weili said in the post-match interview: "The last time I won the championship in China, I felt that I was Zhang Weili of China. This time to win the championship in the United States, I think I am the Zhang Weili of the world! ”
Congratulations to Zhang Weili!
Comprehensive People's Daily, CCTV Sports, People's Network
Source: Oriental.com