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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Zhang Weili of China prepares to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland in their UFC strawweight championship fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Zhang Weili of China prepares to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland in their UFC strawweight championship fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
On his Hotboxin’ Podcast, Mike Tyson recently said that Rose Namajunas would ‘destroy’ Weili Zhang in their clash at UFC 261 next month. Zhang didn’t take those comments lightly and had some choice words for ‘Iron’ in a recent interview.
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The Chinese star is one of the best fighters across the women’s roster. So is Namajunas. However, to claim that ‘Thug Rose’ would ‘destroy’ Zhang was a bit of exaggeration from Tyson.
Speaking to China Global Television Network (CGTN), Zhang said, “Tyson has no right to comment because he knows nothing about MMA. He knows nothing about me, I will not be affected, but do my best instead, and I suggest Tyson try MMA (mixed martial arts) himself.”
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SHENZHEN, CHINA – AUGUST 31: Zhang Weili of China celebrates after her knockout victory over Jessica Andrade of Brazil in their UFC strawweight championship bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre on August 31, 2019 in Shenzhen, China. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
Zhang also opened up on what she thought of Namajunas as a fighter. The UFC women’s strawweight champion said, “She has great footwork and boxing skills. I have prepared specifically for her skill set. I will check my arsenal and pick the suitable weapon to play against her. I know that anything could happen.”
The fight promises to be a banger considering the quality of both the fighters. Regardless of the outcome, fans are in for a pulsating clash when the ladies clash next month.
Weili Zhang vs Rose Namajunas: early prediction
At 31, Zhang is 3 years elder than her counterpart Namajunas. ‘Thug‘ has been competing in the UFC since 2014, 4 years longer than Zhang. However, ‘Magnum’ has much more experience under her belt as she is a 22 fight veteran; Namajunas is a 13 fight veteran.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – JULY 12: Rose Namajunas battles Jessica Andrade in their strawweight fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
The duo shares some common opponents in Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Jessica Andrade, and Tecia Torres. Namajunas has defeated Jedrzejczyk twice and has avenged her losses to Andrade and Torres. ‘Magnum‘ has never lost a fight since her first bout as a professional. However, her pre-UFC opponents are not at the same level as the ladies Namajunas has fought.
So, on paper, the fight is very close. But Namajunas will probably have to pull out the best performance of her life to beat a savage like Zhang. Otherwise, the champ should reign supreme.
Who gets it done at UFC 261? Share your thoughts.
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