Flying female fists fuel interest in combat sports

Mixed martial arts fighter Zhang Weili stages inspirational comeback

Making a strong comeback from disheartening setbacks, Chinese mixed martial arts fighter Zhang Weili has rejuvenated her career while inspiring greater interest in the combat sport in her home country.

Zhang, who won the nation's first MMA world title in 2019, punched her way back into title contention on Sunday by securing her 22nd career victory, defeating Poland's Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a rematch of their first encounter two years ago.

The Chinese fighter is a former strawweight champion competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, or UFC, which is based in Las Vegas.

Cheered on by enthusiastic spectators on Sunday at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Zhang ended the thrilling clash at UFC 275 by landing a spinning backfist to Jedrzejczyk's neck in the second round, sending the crowd into a frenzy while securing a shot at redemption in the women's 115-pound (52-kilogram) division.

By defeating the Polish veteran again after doing so via a split decision in their first meeting in March 2020, Zhang improved her career win-loss record to 22-3, earning the right to challenge the division's current world champion Carla Esparza of the United States in her next fight.

"My goal before the rematch was to demonstrate an all-out domination, and I am so excited that I delivered," a pumped-up Zhang said in a post-fight interview, calling on reigning champion Esparza to accept her challenge in the next event in Abu Dhabi in October.

However, Esparza dodged Zhang's invitation, saying she would take it up only when she feels she is ready.

"I definitely don't feel like I'm in a position where I should rush just because Weili wants a certain date," Esparza told the New York Post on Tuesday.

"I'm not trying to go on her timeline. I'm the champion, and I feel she needs to go on my timeline," said the 34-year-old, who won the UFC's inaugural strawweight title in December 2014 but lost it to Jedrzejczyk in her first defense three months later.

Jedrzejczyk, as the division's longest reigning champion, predicted an overwhelming win for Zhang in her next title challenge.

"First round for Weili. She's so strong. She really surprised me with her strength on the ground... I truly believe that Weili is going to become the champ again," said the Polish veteran, who announced her retirement from fighting after the loss to Zhang on Sunday.