That fight was so close and so back-and-forth that fans are clamoring to see what will happen when these two top strawweights meet in the Octagon once again.
And they’re not alone.
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“Everybody is looking forward to this fight because they are wondering what will happen in the second fight when we face each other,” Zhang told UFC.com. “I’m excited to see what will happen, as well.
In the past, we’ve seen Jedrzejczyk use her trash talk and fierce mentality shake opponents up. That wasn’t the case with Zhang, and she never took a step back when she faced Jedrzejczyk.
“When I look back at the first fight, I never worried about Joanna being fearless and her stamina,” she said. “I just wanted to show my skill, which is better than hers, and that’s what I did.”
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Although she takes confidence away from her victory in 2020, she isn’t looking to replicate the wild nature of the bout. Instead, she’s looking for the same outcome, but to achieve it in dominant fashion this time.
“The first fight was definitely very exciting and brutal. For me, my goal this time is to dominate the fight,” Zhang said. “I think in my fights since facing Joanna I’ve become a more mature fighter, both mentally and physically. That will show when we meet again.”
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A dominant victory would boost the former champion’s case that she deserves a shot at Carla Esparza, who recently secured the title for a second time by defeating Rose Namajunas. There’s no doubt in Zhang’s mind that an impressive win would put her in that position.
“This is a three-round fight, and this is related to who will be the number one contender for the next title fight,” she said. “I want that spot.”
It’s a high stakes bout, and Zhang is excited that it’s taking place in Asia.
“This is a big fight and I want to thank Joanna for being here in Singapore to fight me here. She traveled far this time,” Zhang said. “I’m really happy to be fighting in Asia again and I hope the Asian fans can enjoy the fights in the arena instead of the TV and, of course, there will be more Asian people here to support me.”
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It’s been almost three years since Weili won the strawweight title in China. Since then, she’s competed in the United States, so being back on this side of the globe is a welcome change of pace.
The first bout between Zhang and Jedrzejczyk took place right at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which created extra adversity for her during her travel from China to Las Vegas.
This time, it’s the complete opposite. There’s no time difference and everything feels familiar during fight week. That feeling of familiarity has helped Zhang approach UFC 275 with a relaxed mindset.
“Last time we met, COVID had just really started and everything about getting to Las Vegas was tough. The travel was hard and consumed a lot of time before the fight,” she said. “For UFC 275, I don’t have to deal with any of that. It’s been a very easy week and I’m more ready than ever.”
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Zhang is expecting to see the same Jedrzejczyk that she did back at UFC 248: ferocious, fast, and determined. Matching Jedrzejczyk’s energy brough out the best in Zhang and she’s confident that the same thing will happen when the two collide at UFC 275.
“I hope Joanna brings her best because I know that I will be bringing mine.”
