Fighter of the Week: Zhang Weili - UFC 312
A dominant performance from the well-rounded Weili.
Weili Retains Her Title at UFC 312
Even before her victory over Tatiana Suarez in Sydney last weekend, I had confidently stated that Zhang Weili is one of the best female mixed martial artists I’ve ever seen compete.
Weili outclassed Suarez over the course of five rounds to win a dominant decision, and she did so with a well-rounded display of grappling and striking - something we have become accustomed to witnessing over the last six years in the UFC.
Those following MMA will know that the hype surrounding Suarez was prevalent and her opportunity to seize a UFC title was considered long overdue. The previously undefeated phenom has overcome serious illness and injury which hindered her career, but once ready, the UFC put her at the front of the line to face Weili. The contender was the betting favourite, but the champion served up a reminder as to why she is the strawweight queen.
The beloved Weili is now on a five-fight winning streak with three title defences and is a woman with options.
Fighter of the Week: Why Weili?
After being taken down in the first round, Weili completely took over the fight and repeatedly shut down takedown attempts from Suarez by defending or reversing them. Not only did she get the better of the wrestling and grappling exchanges, she battered her opponent on the feet.
Suarez didn’t have an answer for Weili’s impressive skills and I believe this was more of a testament to the ability of Weili rather than Suarez’s lack of experience and activity.
In the brief moments that Weili had her back to the canvas, she scrambled well and created openings in half guard and half butterfly guard. She didn’t look to be in any trouble here.
In top position she stayed active by striking and threw punches and elbows. On the feet, her right hand was an effective weapon throughout. In short, she was far too quick and powerful for Suarez.
The Chinese champion was so sharp all night and showcased her skills everywhere to punish Suarez.
The Striking of Zhang Weili
From the second round, Weili was able to demonstrate her superiority in the striking department.
Less than a minute in, Weili threw out a lazy jab while in the orthodox stance to draw Suarez in. From southpaw, Suarez returned fire with a left straight which Weili slipped before landing an open side counter with her right hand.
A few minutes later Suarez looked to close the distance after a Weili side kick and was met with another big right hand. This became a theme as Suarez tried to get close to Weili, and she would be countered with the right hand and sometimes the left hook when she threw her jab or tired to enter.
Arguably the biggest shot of the fight came in the third round when Weili countered a low kick from Suarez with a massive right hand that almost sat her opponent down.
Weili also had success with the right straight to the body, and occasionally followed up her punches with a high kick or would chop at Suarez’s calf. She looked dangerous in the clinch with knees and elbows, and peppered Suarez with short shots there and catch her on the break.
Grappling Highlights
Weili routinely stuffed and defended takedown attempts from Suarez. On more than one occasion, Weili was able to reverse the attempt and end up in top position where she constantly threw strikes and maintained control.
She wrestled well against the fence and would initially use an underhook to limit Suarez’s options. On her back she stayed active and used her guard to thwart any meaningful attacks from Suarez.
In the fourth round, Weili took Suarez down with an inside trip and looked strong as she kept her opponent down and stayed busy with strikes. Suarez relinquished an overhook and Weili tried to take advantage of this by attempting an arm triangle submission. She couldn’t pass the guard to finish the choke, but it was a clever attempt nonetheless.
Suarez was able to hold on until the end of the fight and showed heart and resilience, but that was as far as it went for her.
Final Thoughts
Those who doubted Zhang Weili before this fight have now been humbled. To me, she looked better than ever.
She is one of the greatest female mixed martial artists in history and her progression and improvement in the UFC has been extraordinary to watch. Her losses to Rose Namajunas are a distant memory now as she weighs up her options after another dominant victory.
Virna Jandiroba may not be too far away, but she has an upcoming bout against Weili’s previous opponent Yan Xiaonan. Weili likely has her eye on the flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, and a fight with her will give Weili the opportunity to hold gold in two weight classes.
After a performance like the one at UFC 312, Zhang Weili can probably call the shots.