UFC Women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili is potentially expected to defend her title against Rose Namajunas next. Considering Zhang’s dominance over A-listers of her division, Namajunas is yet to be tested against her.

However, it seems like the Chinese powerhouse is oblivious to the fact that there is a new rival who is surging ahead towards her title, namely Carla Esparza.

The former champion is currently riding high on a four-fight win streak and is gunning for a shot at the title. After a tough-fought victory against Marina Rodriguez at Fight Island, Carla Esparza bills herself to be a worthy title contender.

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Esparza calls out Zhang Weili for a title shot

While in conversation with MMA Fighting, Esparza declared that she is the most suited fighter to take on Magnum at this point in time.

Despite being a veteran of Women’s MMA, Esparza has potentially missed a part of the top-rated glory. She considers herself to be the gatekeeper for young talents and is tired of doing that.

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Since she is riding on a four-fight win streak now, a title shot seems viable.

“I feel like I’m kind of the gatekeeper for the young up and comers. I’m tired of being that gatekeeper. I feel like I’m ready for another title shot. I feel like I’m the next fight that makes sense.

“There’s a lot of people that are out right now, or coming off losses and, for me, I’ve been knocked down and I’ve been crawling my way back to get that shot,“ said Esparza.

However, the Women’s strawweight division is one of the most stacked units in the promotion. Thus, there is a long list of contenders and Esparza might have to wait a bit more.

That said, a lot of top-contenders are unavailable at this point, and ‘Cookie Monster’ did not fail to point that fact out.

“I would say I am ready for that fight (with Weili) and with everything going on in the world, it would be like stars aligning.

“It’s kind of worked out this way and everything is lining up with Rose (Namajunas) out, Tatiana (Suarez) has a neck injury, Nina (Ansaroff) is pregnant and there’s a lot going on in this division right now,”

“I’m coming off four straight wins against tough competition and I think the stars are aligning for this opportunity. My hands are open,” said Esparza.

Taking note to her four-fight win streak, ‘Cookie Monster’ claims her hands to be open for the fight.

‘Magnum’ rise in UFC

Zhang ‘Magnum’ Weili notched the UFC gold in just her fourth fight in the promotion against Jessica Andrade at Fight Night in August 2019.

She has also defended the title against former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. She is expected to defend it against Rose Namajunas next.

However, Esparza’s statement makes sense, and she could very well turn the tides at any time.

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SOURCE- MMA Fighting, UFC stats