‘That Would Affect My Training’ – Weili Zhang Says Why She’s Against Taking Vaccine for COVID

UFC Strawweight champion Weili Zhang will defend her title against Rose Namajunas at the co-main event of UFC 261. This fight will be ‘Magnum’s’ second title defense after her epic battle against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. That fight was deemed the MMA fight of the year 2020, and both the fighters impressed everyone.

That fight took place during the starting phases of the coronavirus pandemic, and because of that, Zhang had to face many difficulties. Now, after almost a year, the coronavirus is still a threat and people all over are looking to get themselves vaccinated.

Zhang also got herself vaccinated, but is not willing to take the second shot of the vaccine before the fight with Namajunas. ‘Magnum’ believes that taking the shot will affect her training.

In a chat with AFP by video from her coaching base in Beijing, Zhang said, “I didn’t have any reaction to the first shot, but those who had the second shot said there would be a reaction.

“That would affect my training and could mean no training for three days in a row. So I didn’t dare have the second one.”

Zhang is very dedicated to the sport and does not want to hamper her chances by taking the second dose of vaccine. She wants to defend her title and would not risk it on anything.

Weili Zhang and her journey to the UFC Title

Zhang is a former Kunlun Fight (KLF) Strawweight champion. She is the first Chinese and East Asia champion in UFC history. ‘Magnum’s ‘ first professional MMA fight was in the Chinese MMA league against Meng Bo. She lost that fight via a unanimous decision.

Also Read: Should Weili Zhang Fight Valentina Shevchenko if She Defeats Rose Namajunas?

Since then Zhang has shown why she is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters in the world, as she has been undefeated after that fight. Zhang started competing in KLF, where she became the strawweight champion after defeating Simone Duarte at Kunlun Fight MMA 11 on May 25, 2017.

Zhang joined the UFC back in 2018, and soon after won the strawweight title after defeating Jessica Andrade. She then defended her title for the first time against Joanna Jedrzejczyk in one of the best fights of 2020. Now the champ is all set to face Namajunas and we as fans are eagerly waiting to see ‘Magnum’ back in the Octagon.