The main event for UFC Fight Night in China was announced for August 31st, and received mixed reviews for Weili Zhang fighting for the belt against Jéssica Andrade.
But why?
Even though Zhang stepped into the UFC last year making her debut against Danielle Taylor during UFC 227, she came with a very impressive resume along with a 16-1 record. Winning all three fights inside the octagon now making that stat jump to 19-1, Zhang’s most recent win was against Tecia “Tiny Tornado” Torres back in March.
After gaining a decision win against the #8 in the division the MMA world started talking. Also Zhang has won the majority of her fights mostly with TKO’s and submissions. With the strawweight being one of the most intriguing women’s division in the UFC, everyone inside the top ten is a target. There can be a list made of who’s next in line after the current Champion, Jéssica Andrade, fought for her life against “Thug” Rose Namajunas.
Michelle “The Karate Hottie” Waterson
As for Waterson she has made a grand comeback after her decision loss to Torres at UFC 218 back in 2017. It wouldn’t hurt for Waterson to make the extra climb through another fight this time with a possible top five foe. Claudia Gadelha? Just lost to Ansaroff seven months ago at UFC 231 and would jump Waterson right into #5. Even Ansaroff or Joanna Jedrezejczyk. Both fights make perfect sense even for the time-frame given she wants to fight later in the year.
Tatiana Suarez
Just beat #3 Nina Ansaroff with a neck injury in a grinding three round fight making her remain #2 in the rankings. Still undefeated.
A common debate is why it isn’t Suarez fighting for the title right now. She is in line right after the former “Thug” strawweight Champion.
Having Andrade’s first title defense in their competitors stomping grounds sounds like a win win for the UFC. Yes, Suarez also paid her dues by winning TUF 23 . But she also just landed her fourth fight in the UFC almost two weeks ago which Zhang will also be doing two months.
In the eyes of the beholder Andrade vs Zhang is the fight to make right now. The Champ is feeling great, looking great taking poses with the belt with a smile on her face.
While Zhang has been begging to prove herself time and time again.
Well, it is time to start stirring the pot for the 115’s because if this brawl goes any way as it looks on paper both fighters will meet their making. Both fighters have incredible stand-up which will be a lot of fun watching these ladies on their feet. However, depending on how the game-plan goes for both parties they know their way on the ground. While Andrade is a brown belt, Zhang transitioned to BJJ later in her career and holds a purple belt.
A lot of answers will come after August 31st when both these fighters face off. While each fighter has a lot on the line, the division will continue to move forward with rotating killers at 115 lbs.
Will Andrade prove that her win against Namajunas is warranted with a thrilling title defense by holding the belt around her waste after the fight? Or will Zhang prove that even though she might be the black sheep in the division, from lack of promotion, will she win her first UFC belt at home?
