Zhang Weili is UFC strawweight champion once again.
In a dominant showcase, Zhang bested Carla Esparza in almost every exchange before thwarting a takedown attempt that led to her locking on a fight-ending rear-naked choke submission. The end came at just 1:05 in the second round as Zhang became a two-time champion while tapping out Esparza in the UFC 281 co-main event.
” Everyday, I think of my belt and that I would return,” Zhang stated afterwards. “Today is like a dream come true. This moment was something I dreamed of every day and night. I have so many ways I can finish her. Submission is just one .”
With Zhang marching forward, Esparza was smart to use a jab while obviously looking to set up a takedown with her high-level wrestling. Zhang didn’t let Esparza stop her from launching kicks, then returning to the top with punches.
Zhang was starting to really unload with her strikes when Esparza was finally able to counter by grabbing onto a leg to bring the fight crashing down to the canvas. Zhang almost reversed her position to claim the back, but Esparza held firm until Esparza won.
Zhang attempted to control Zhang on the ground, but she was unable to stop her.
As the second round got started, Esparza had to know her wrestling was her best path to slow down Zhang and after catching a kick it looked like she would get the chance. Zhang reversed her positions and stopped Esparza from grappling. This allowed Esparza to trap and arm, and then set up the submission at the back.
Zhang quickly released Esparza from her grasp with her free hand and secured the choke underneath the chin. The tap was completed just seconds later.
Zhang has remained a stalwart at the top of the rankings either as champion or challenger for the past couple of years and now she’s back on top of the division with the title again. As for Esparza, her reign comes to an end just six months after it started as she falls by submission after defeating Rose Namajunas to win the belt earlier in the year.
Source: https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/11/13/23455782/ufc-281-results-zhang-weili-reclaims-strawweight-title-rear-naked-choke-submission-carla-esparza?rand=96749
