At UFC 281, Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili will go battle over the Strawweight title. Shell look to continue her winning ways as shes set to defend her title against the former Strawweight champ. And check back here for the official result, analysis and full video highlights. - http://bit.ly/BTSportMonthlyPass . Esparza lands a right, her corner shouting at her to follow up. Ottman Azaitar via knockout (punches) Round 1, 2:30, Karolina Kowalkiewicz def. Esparza taps! Beneil Dariush is confident the UFC will grant him a long awaited title shot with a win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 289 and if not, he might actually have to take Justin Gaethjes advice and riot. Carla Esparza by submission (RNC) at 1:05 of round 2: Strawweight Title Zhang took the center of the Octagon, pressing forward and keeping Esparza on her back foot. 1 heavyweight in the world, Francis Ngannou, to the PFL, Pereira stuns Adesanya by TKO to claim UFC title, Pound-for-pound rankings: Aljamain Sterling takes another step up in the men's top 10, MMA divisional rankings: After Jailton Almeida and Johnny Walker get big wins, they're in. A daily roundup of all your fighting news from MMA Mania, By submitting your email, you agree to our, MMA Mania, UFC news, results, videos, rumors, fights, Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili full fight preview | UFC 281. Use that side kick, target the mid-section, and let the knockout come naturally. 1? A terrific round full of reverses and scrambling on the mat. Nicolae Negumereanu via knockout (punches) Round 1, 3:44, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Zhang Weili def. NEW YORK - Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili had their final faceoff at Friday's ceremonial weigh-ins ahead of their UFC 281 co-main event title fight. (I) only got seven days (medical . Zhang Weili def. The first round was closely contested with back-and-forth scrambles. GO! Latest on Zhang Weili including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN . The finish came at the 1:05 mark via rear-naked choke and made Zhang a champion again for the first time since March 2021. You'll now receive the top MMA Junkie stories each day directly in your inbox. Zhang was hip to it and spun around to her back. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/11/ufc-281-results-zhang-weili-vs-carla-esparza-video-submission-choke, Dustin Poirier def. Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya have signed sponsorship deals with Logan Pauls PRIME Hydration. Record: 19-6Key Wins: Rose Namajunas (UFC 274, TUF 20 Finale), Marina Rodriguez (UFC Fight Island 3), Alexa Grasso (UFC Fight Night 149), Yan Xiaonan (UFC Vegas 27), Michelle Waterson (UFC 249)Key Losses: Tatiana Suarez (UFC 228), Claudia Gadelha (UFC 225), Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 185)Keys To Victory: Esparza deserves a lot of credit for returning to the top of the ladder. Cut the Advertising. Still, I think even the most jaded fight fan would offer begrudging respect to a seven-fight win streak capped off by back-to-back wins over Namajunas and Weili. For the second straight year, Zhang Weili will get a title opportunity at Madison Square Garden. Weili has immense physical gifts, but she tends to rely a lot on her strength and athleticism. Zhang continues to open up with her offense and just misses with a head kick. Johnny Munoz shared photos of the damage done after taking two hellacious low blows in his fight against Daniel Santos. In the second round, Zhang scrambled partially around Esparza's back and forced her to choke to the tap. Something went wrong. And that's what the market is banking on, making a rare instance of . 7M; If she just chases massive right hands, Esparza definitely has the skills to duck beneath and put her on the canvas. Esparza . 3. Beneil Dariush will take Justin Gaethjes advice and possibly riot if UFC skips him for next title shot. Tim Elliott claims hes unable to get tickets for his family to attend UFC Vegas 74 on Saturday night. See how UFC fighters reacted to the UFC Vegas 74 main event between Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi, along with other notable moments from Saturdays main card. Ranking the TUF coaches fights: Which fight was No. The women's strawweight champion is set to defend her title against . Weili meanwhile will also be looking to become a two-time champion at strawweight and has managed to beat . The California native was the first-ever UFC women's strawweight champion, beating Namajunas to win The Ultimate Fighter -- and the inaugural belt -- in 2014. All she wants to be is the world champion, and it was on full display on Saturday night. Stopping Esparza returns her to her pre-Namajunas pedestal, and that rubber match isnt quite on the horizon just yet. Zhang (22-3) is coming off a second-round knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk in June. After UFC Vegas 74, which took place from inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Dana White spoke about the situation with Jared Gordon. Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts. NEW YORK Zhang Weili is champion once again and she earned the title back in unusual fashion Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Esparzas jab is keeping Zhang at bay. Weili finished Carla Esparza with a rear-naked choke in the co-main event of UFC 281 on Saturday night, becoming champion. The event takes place Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The veteran stalked Esparza around the Octagon, and although she didn't land too many shots early, the power difference was obvious. Theyre very close in age, but Weili doesnt have any desires to do any of those other things. Zhang Weili is now a two-time UFC strawweight champion after submitting Carla Esparza in the second round of Saturday night's UFC 281 co-main event. Carla Esparza (19-7) | UFC [2] Esparza's second reign as strawweight champion was as short-lived as the first, as she relinquished the crown to Weili Zhang in a second-round submission defeat in . Esparza caught a body kick attempt in the first several minutes and looked to take Zhang down, but Zhang's physicality in the scrambles continued to show up as the fight progressed. She does a single camp with Henry Cejudo and company, and suddenly shes tossing around Francis Ngannou and showing off genuinely excellent chain wrestling against Joanna Violence, the best counter wrestler in Strawweight history? The fight has not yet been signed, nor officially announced by the UFC. With a modified arm-trapping rear-naked choke, Weili (23-3. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. McGregor's 'elite' status questioned by former MMA champ, UFC Fight Night: Kara-France vs. Albazi Fights to make, Dana White throws Jared Gordon under the bus. ESPN has Esparza ranked No. Zhang, 33, became the first Chinese-born fighter and second Asia-born fighter to win a UFC title when she beat Jessica Andrade to win the 115-pound belt in 2019. UFC: Kara France vs. Albazi - Winners and Losers, McGregor's 'elite' status questioned by former MMA champ, UFC Fight Night: Kara-France vs. Albazi Fights to make, Video: Team McGregor fighter loses via KO in 9 seconds, Before and After: Gordon Ryan reveals significantly diminished physique during health crisis, 'Heroin addict' - McGregor Tweets and deletes shot at KO king, BE Gallery: Weili Zhang training in Bangtao, Thailand ahead of title bout, Namajunas: I got what I needed out of Esparza rematch. He has covered combat sports since 2015. UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira took place Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tim Bissell is a writer, editor and deputy site manager for Bloody Elbow. Inside the negotiations that brought the No. In her rematch with Namajunas, this did wear down Magnum by the championship rounds, resulting in extended top control time for Thug Rose.. Zhang with an active guard, Esparza backs out and throws a few punches as Zhang stands. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. Weili recently got back into the winning column after a devastating KO of Joanna Jedrzejczyk, and shell be looking to add another highlight reel finish to her resume and bring the belt back to China.Subscribe to the channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/onzku100?sub_confirmation=1 #weilizhang #carlaesparza #ufc281 Related Videos: Zhang Weili Trains in Thailand Ahead of Title Fight | UFC 281https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmlT4RUzFPsUFC 274: Carla Esparza Octagon Interviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MFRDFJ6U9EWeili Zhang Destined To Be Championhttps://youtu.be/kJr2Fpb9UjU Zhang Weili is back on top of the women's strawweight division. One month later, Weili knocked out Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a spinning backfist in Round 2 of their UFC 276 bout. Sign up for the MMA Junkie newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The co-main event for UFC 281 will be the setting where the promotions strawweight title will sway in the balance when the champion, Carla. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Newark, N.J., for the first time in more than three years on Sat., May 6, 2023, with a blockbuster Bantamweight collision inside Prudential Center that will seeAljamain Sterling attempt another successful title defense against returning two-division titleholder and former gold medal-winning Olympic wrestler,Henry Cejudo. The fight was largely lackluster and Esparza won by split decision. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 1? pic.twitter.com/su4ioC7DIP, Here. The finish is Zhang's eighth career win by submission and only the second time Esparza has been submitted in her 12-year career. This will be the first title defense for Esparza since recapturing her belt from Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 back in May of this year. 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However, after Esparza edged out Namajunas to regain her title, the doors opened for Weili to get another crack at the title, and she fully capitalized. A UFC women's strawweight title fight between champion Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili, the former champ, has been verbally agreed to for UFC 281 on Nov. 12 in New York, multiple sources confirmed . For more on Weili vs. Esparza, check out the live blog from MMA Fightings Alexander K. Lee. Its rare that a single performance can rebound a fighter from consecutive losses into a title fight. Former UFC champion Zhang Weili (23-3) took on UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza (19-7) in the co-main event on the nights main card. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Carla Esparza, the first ever 115 lb champion in the company, is looking to out-do her first reign as champ by successfully defending the belt against her challenger: Zhang Weili. As mentioned, Weili is going to walk Esparza down. Zhang had asked for UFC 280 on Oct. 22. Nov 12, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Zhang Weili celebrates her defeat of Carla Esparza during UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden. The news of the fight was first reported by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani. Dominick Reyes via knockout (punches) Round 1, 1:20, Erin Blanchfield def. At one point, Weili was also in talks to head up to Flyweight and challenge for a second title, so perhaps thats another option that opens back up. 1 contender bout Saturday in . This post will cover all the action from Esparza vs. Zhang as both women look to prove worthy of being two-time champions in the UFC. Oops. In the wake of Weilis victory, Esparza initially indicated injuries would likely force her out until 2023. Zhang also becomes the fourth woman in UFC history to become a two-time champion, joining Namajunas, Amanda Nunes and, ironically, Esparza. Shes not a passive fighter, nor should she be. Tim covers news and events and has also written longform and investigative pieces. What a wild and strange ride its been for The Cookie Monster. Joanna Jedrzejczyk stole her title and sent her to the Prelims in 2015, and its not like Esparza bounced back immediately. NEW YORK - Zhang Weili is champion once again and she earned the title back in unusual fashion Saturday at Madison Square Garden. Esparza. Zhang (23-3) reclaimed her 115-pound championship by submitting Carla Esparza (19-7) in the second round of their strawweight title fight, which co-headlined UFC 281 inside Madison Square Garden. Strawweight championship: Zhang Weili (23-3, 7-2 UFC) def. Zhang worked up to her feet, and then out-scrambled Esparza to get on top. 13 November 2022. MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Zhang. ESPN MMA @espnmma Carla Esparza defeats Rose Namajunas a second time to become the strawweight champion #UFC274 3895 391 Zhang Weili, also a former strawweight champion, holds a three-inch. Zhang with a leg kick, but its Esparza who lands the first punch, a glancing right across Zhangs chin. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. The co-main event for UFC 281 will be the setting where the promotions strawweight title will sway in the balance when the champion, Carla Esparza, meets a former champion in Weili Zhang. Brad Riddell via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 3:20, Ryan Spann def. Esparza is probably going to remain the underdog in title fights. Please enter a valid email and try again. Please check your email for a confirmation. Nov 12, 2022, 12:46 PM EST Download App Saturday's UFC 281 co-main event features strawweight champion Carla Esparza vs. Weili Zhang. Recap The Highlights from Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili at UFC 281 in Madison Square Garden in New York, narrated by MMA Crazy reporter Louise Green @LouiseG. Kai Kara-France was confident that he was going to leave UFC Vegas 74 with a win on his record but instead hes going home with a split decision loss to Amir Albazi. Weili trapped Esparzas left arm with both of her legs. With the addition, the UFC 281 lineup includes: Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts. There is no way Weili is going to hang back and actively choose not to pursue her advantages like Namajunas did. Esparza comes forward but gets hit by a hard right. All Rights Reserved. Among Tim's specialties are the intersections between crime and combat sports. 1 in the world at 115 pounds and Zhang at No. UFC 281 best bets, predictions: Weili Zhang vs. Carla Esparza, Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler among picks The fight card on Saturday offers many options to consider placing a wager. Carla Esparza looks to begin her second reign as UFC women's strawweight champion with a successful defence against former champion Zhang Weili. Michael Chandler via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 3, 2:00, Frankie Edgar vs. Chris Gutierrez via knockout (knee) Round 1, 2:01, Dan Hooker def. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's Strawweight elites Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili collided tonight (Sat., Nov. 12, 2022) in UFC 281's pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event from. The Chinese-born fighter lost the title to Namajunas at UFC 261 in April 2021 and then lost the rematch to Namajunas at Madison Square Garden last November at UFC 268. Power double by Esparza, Zhang scrambles out again. 2023 Bloody Elbow. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Carla Esparza via submission (rear-naked choke) Round 2, 1:05. A clinic in mat-based . She starts flicking out high kicks, but Esparza is staying out of range. UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza will defend her belt against Zhang Weili at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Nov. 12, she announced on social media Thursday. Stream Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili (UFC 281) on Watch ESPN . With the victory, the Chinese. Esparza is going to have to walk through the fire here, because that heat will be coming her way. GIVE HER THE BELT BACK @MMAWeili recaptures gold at #UFC281!! Carla Esparza Zhang Weili. @MMAWeili enters for another shot at gold #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/GeJLc15u6Y. Women's Strawweight. ET) Zhang Weili def. There are four early preliminary card fights, which should kick off around 6pm ET/3pm PT. Weili landed on the bottom, but eventually snatched Esparzas back in a scramble. Adesanya shared a video on his YouTube reacting to his teammate Kai Kara-Frances controversial split decision loss to Amir Albazi at UFC Vegas 74. Zhang Weili (C) vs Amanda Lemos (women's strawweight title) Sunday 10 September - UFC . NEW YORK -- Zhang Weili became China's first UFC champion in 2019, when she took the strawweight title from Jessica Andrade. Namajunas lost the. Its especially rare when considering that Strawweight is actually a solid division with multiple contenders its not womens Bantamweight! Below, Manpreet Jhass shares breaks down the title fight and shares his best bet. Zhang took the center of the Octagon, pressing forward and keeping Esparza on her back foot. UFC 281: Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili | Full Fight & Highlights | Strawweight Title Bout - YouTube No Copyright Content | UFC 281: Esparza vs. Weili Full FightCarla Esparza. From that position, Zhang was able to lock up a rear-naked choke and get Esparza to tap. Seungwoo Choi via knockout (punches) Round 1, 4:51, Montel Jackson def. The Best UFC/MMA Submissions Of 2022 Are Video - UFC 281: The Thrill and the Agony, UFC 281 Thrill and Agony video: You dont like me and I dont like you, but respect. UFC 281 is a standard PPV. To check out the latest and greatest UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. Stream Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili (UFC 281) on Watch ESPN. Its unprecedented and incredible, but hopefully her takedown defense also skyrocketed. Zhang with a jab. Prior to that fight, UFC president Dana White had declared the winner would be the next title challenger. UFC women's strawweight contender Jinh Yu Frey recently weighed in on the upcoming Zhang Weili vs. Amanda Lemos bout at UFC 292. Watch Zhang Weili vs. Carla Esparza full fight video highlights from the main card of UFC 281, courtesy of the UFC and other outlets. He retired at 1-0 in professional MMA, competed in one Muay Thai match in Thailand, and is currently a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu under the great Diego Bispo. All Rights Reserved. Up-to-the-minute UFC 281 results include: For more on the card, visit MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 281. Zhang Weili Record: 21-3 Key Wins: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 275, UFC 248), Jessica Andrade (UFC Fight Night 157), Tecia Torres (UFC 235), Jessica Aguilar (UFC Fight Night 141), Danielle Taylor. Yan Xiaonan. Tim has also covered head trauma, concussions and CTE in great detail. We'll give it to Weili for her punching advantage despite the two takedowns from her opponent, but both had plenty of fight control while down there, and both reversed each other plenty. In addition to the middleweight championship, the womens strawweight title will be on the line when Carla Esparza (19-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) defends it against Zhang Weili (22-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC). UFC 281 has its second title fight, pending finalization. ET on ESPN+ PPV. She wants to take Esparzas back and just muscles her way into position. Zhang hits Esparza with a right hand. Lets take a closer look at the keys to victory for each woman: BLOCKBUSTER BANTAMWEIGHT BATTLE! Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili full fight video preview for UFC 281 pay-per-view (PPV) strawweight title fight co-main event on ESPN+ TONIGHT (Sat., Nov. 12, 2022) at Madison Square Garden in New . Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya become first official athletes of Logan Pauls Prime. Zhang was able to stuff the attempt to initiate another wild scramble, and came up with a back mounted crucifix. Molly McCann vs Julija Stoliarenko (women's flyweight) Nathaniel Wood vs Andre Fili (featherweight) . In Round 2, Esparza shot for a takedown. UFC Esparza - "Zhang is. With Esparza cleared of her injuries, the bout will take place later than Zhang wanted, but earlier than Esparzas original timeline. Zhang Not Afraid Of Cookie Monster, Embedded: Esparza's Grueling Prep Readys Her For Strong Zhang, Esparza Laughs And Smiles At Continual Doubters, UFC 281 live stream updates, video highlights, fight results | Adesanya vs. Pereira, Pereira Trades Bombs With Dangerous Heavyweight Monster, UFC Anniversary Limited Edition Fight Glove, Aljamain Sterling Authentic Walkout Jersey, Team Paul Denies Diaz Call To Leave Texas: Nothing Is Changing, Meta PR Statement Says Zuck Didnt Tap OR Nap. UFC Exclusive: Esparza - "Being the. Weili (22-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC)was able to overpower Jedrzejczyk in the grappling department before shutting her lights off on the feet. Weili Zhang vs. Joanna Jdrzejczyk: Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jdrzejczyk II: Carla Esparza vs. Joanna Jdrzejczyk: Alexa Grasso vs. Mizuki Inoue: Joanna Jdrzejczyk vs. Cludia Gadelha II: Joanna Jdrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas: Paige VanZant vs. Kailin Curran: content_cut. Esparza went back to her wrestling in the second act, but Zhang was ready for it. newsletter, after watching Weili toss Jedrzejczyk around like a sack of potatoes then knock her cold, Fearless! Esparza comes into this fight off the back of her split decision win over Rose Namajunas to clinch the championship. Which woman will leave the cage strapped with gold? Claudio Puelles via TKO (kick) Round 2, 4:06, Renato Moicano def. Zhang, 33, has always been one of the best strawweights in the world, but her kryptonite in the UFC has been former champion Rose Namajunas. The fight aired live on ESPN+ pay-per-view. 5. Supplemental Privacy Policy for Singapore. But bout agreements have been sent out, per sources. An additional person with knowledge of the matchup confirmed the targeted booking to MMA Junkie but asked to remain anonymous since the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Check out the aftermath from UFC 281, including what Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya had to say to one another following the main event. Daniel Cormier doesnt like UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparzas odds of beating Zhang Weili. In reverse-homer fashion, the crowd at Madison Square Garden adored themself to Weili and booed Esparza, who perhaps antagonistically chose Im Shipping Up to Boston as her walkout song. Carla Esparza. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. 1 heavyweight in the world, Francis Ngannou, to the PFL, Pound-for-pound rankings: Aljamain Sterling takes another step up in the men's top 10, MMA divisional rankings: After Jailton Almeida and Johnny Walker get big wins, they're in. ET, then the remaining undercard (on ESPNEWS/ESPN+) at 8 p.m. Molly McCann via submission (kimura) Round 1, 3:37, Andre Petroski def. Prior to beating Jedrzejczyk, Weili fell short to ex-champ Rose Namajunas in back-to-back title fights. Ngannou is trying to draw Furys attention away from Jon Jones and back on himself as The Gypsy King prepares his schedule for the second half of 2023. Sometimes fighters hang around too long, I dont think that was the case for Joanna, but Zhang Weili is just in another stage of her career, Cormier said. A UFC women's strawweight title fight between champion Carla Esparza and Zhang, the former champ, has been verbally agreed to for UFC 281 on Nov. 12 in New York, multiple sources confirmed with ESPN. Though she definitely made some improvements to her boxing game, Esparzas ability to chain wrestle and control her opposition on the canvas is responsible for a majority of her wins. Please check your email for a confirmation. . She got it sort of. Eddie covers everything from betting odds and live events, to fighter interviews and co-hosting the 6th Round post-fight show and the 6th Round Retro. June 15, 2022 2:45 pm ET Daniel Cormier doesn't like UFC strawweight champion Carla Esparza 's odds of beating Zhang Weili. Let's be clear. Zhang Weili reclaimed her 115-pound championship by submitting Carla Esparza in the second round of their strawweight title fight, which co-headlined UFC 281 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. On Saturday, she also became China's second UFC champion. Carla Esparza vs. Weili Zhang UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira | 2022.11.12 | New York City, New York Discussion Co-Main Event | UFC Strawweight Championship | 115 lbs Weili Zhang defeats Carla Esparza via Submission at 1:05 of Round 2 #77 Greatest Strawweight MMA Fight of All Time #85 Best MMA Fight of the Year for 2022 #14 Despite some huge technical and athletic advantages, Weili still cannot be sloppy. Zhang Weili Curtis Calhoun Nov 5, 2022 Former UFC strawweight champion Rose Namajunas feels Zhang Weili vs. Carla Esparza will be more competitive than most believe. Zhang Weili looks to become a two-time champion when she takes on Carla Esparza at UFC 281 in New York. I thought Joanna had a chance, but once I saw it I was like, Oh man, it sucks, but it kind of is what it is. And then she walks away, and I was so happy to be able to sit there and talk to her as she made that retirement speech.. Who are the best fighters at every age, from age 21 to 42? Hit 'Subscribe' above to ensure you never miss a video from the BT Sport YouTube channel.Get a BT Sport Monthly Pass now! Esparza tough to hold down, she gets Zhang into half guard. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/06/ufc-daniel-cormier-zhang-weili-huge-favorite-carla-esparza, Joanna Jedrzejczyk: 'Strong' Zhang Weili will knock out Carla Esparza infirst round, This cageside video of Zhang Weili's spinning backfist KO of Joanna Jedrzejczyk is insane, Zhang Weili has idea for Carla Esparza UFC title fight she says is 'fair for both of us', Twitter reacts to Amir Albazi's narrow decision win over Kai Kara-France at UFC on ESPN 45, KSW 83 video: Fighter lands incredible one-punch knockout from his back while mounted, Dana White on Conor McGregor's status vs. Michael Chandler: 'It's hard to reel these guys in', Photos: BKFC 43 weigh-ins and fighter faceoffs, Israel Adesanya goes off on judges after teammate Kai Kara-France loss: 'F*ck them c*nts', 5 biggest takeaways from UFC on ESPN 45: Dana White's comments on Jon Jones vs. Tyson Fury, Conor McGregor, UFC on ESPN 45 play-by-play and live results, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Julio Arce via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), Carlos Ulberg def. Will Esparza finally earn that title defense that has eluded her career, or will a former champ in Zhang have her time to reclaim the top of 115-pounds? On the flip side, Weili has a chance to become a two-time champion. UFC 281 Carla Esparza vs Zhang Weili November 12, 2022 Madison Square Garden in New York Cit Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. Please enter a valid email and try again. At UFC 274 in May, Esparza defeated Rose Namajunas to win the womens strawweight title for the second time. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. 1 contender eliminator match. Sign up for the Sign up for the After scoring a highlight reel spinning backfist knockout of Joanna Jedrzejczyk this past Saturday at UFC 275 in Singapore, Weili is expected to be first to challenge Esparza. Two-time champ Esparza looks for her first successful title defense, but she's a substantial underdog to ex-champ Zhang. She moves to 2-1 in UFC title challenges and is the only Chinese champion in promotion history. At UFC 274 in May, Esparza won the strawweight title against Namajunas in a lackluster and somewhat controversial split decision. Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts. Single leg by Esparza, Zhang reverses and ends up in side control. Takedown by Esparza, but Zhang starts scrambling. Inside the negotiations that brought the No. However, after watching Weili toss Jedrzejczyk around like a sack of potatoes then knock her cold, there was only one option for the next title shot. With the win, Esparza extended her winning streak to six. Fun fact: Carla won the UFCs inaugural 115-pound championship by defeating Namajunas, but then lost her crown in her very next match. Although she was the challenger, Zhang went into Saturday's contest as a significant betting favorite, and it showed once the fight began. With this version of Weili, Cormier finds it hard for Esparza (19-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC)to beat her. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! Dana White has once again laid down the challenge to Tyson Fury to enter the UFC octagon to face Jon Jones. Her only UFC losses have come against Rose Namajunas. Sign up for the MMA Junkie newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Both fighters keeping their distance. As. Zhang submits Esparza for UFC strawweight title. Zhangs last fight was a phenomenal TKO win over former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk. After scoring a highlight reel spinning backfist knockout of. Ranking the TUF coaches fights: Which fight was No. pic.twitter.com/su4ioC7DIP, A dream come true for @MMAWeili to recapture her strawweight crown #UFC281 pic.twitter.com/uuLbDF4OeQ. 58 likes, 0 comments - MyMMANews.com (@mymmanews) on Instagram: "Zhang Weili finishes Carla Esparza, recaptures #UFC strawweight title #UFC281 #ZhangWeili #Carla . Wellington Turman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), Matt Frevola def. Please check your email for a confirmation. UFC Highlights - Rose Namajunas vs. UFC title matchup projections: What does our model think of Nunes-Aldana and Jones-Miocic? She really was an afterthought in the title picture until the storyline and her win streak almost forced the second Namajunas fight. Fortunately, thats not her job: Zhang Weili is enough of a challenge. Over time, the tide can turn, and a single stint of top control could really exhaust some of the sting from Weilis strikes. Zhang sticking with leg kicks as she tries to close the distance. Kuhn: Lean Esparza at (+280). Let's analyze Tipico Sportsbook. Fortunately, hope is not lost. It wasnt until 2019 that Esparza began her current win streak, fighting each step up the rankings until she somehow defeated Rose Namajunas a second time in the strangest (generous term) title fight of all time. They may not like each other, but theres a mutual respect between Pereira and Adesanya. UFC 281: Carla Esparza rings in second title reign vs. Weili Zhang - Orange County Register News News Crime and Public Safety Investigative Reporting Business Housing Politics Health. @CarlaEsparza1 set to defend her title in our #UFC281 co-main pic.twitter.com/v9dbZJBer6, Coming to get her belt back! In UFC 288s last-minute pay-per-view (PPV) co-main event, former Welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, locks horns with No. Those will air on big ESPN, ESPN+, and UFC Fight Pass. 4-seeded contender,Belal Muhammad,in a five-round, 170-pound No. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 281 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ Prelims matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Seven days ( medical a rare instance of instance of and although she did n't land too many shots,! Can rebound a fighter from consecutive losses into a title opportunity at Square... Karolina Kowalkiewicz def & # x27 ; s strawweight title 1:20, Erin Blanchfield def to up... Privacy Notice and Terms of use, which became effective December 20, 2019,... Vs Andre Fili ( featherweight ) intersections between crime and combat sports since 2015 trapped Esparzas arm. Fell short to ex-champ Rose Namajunas to win the womens strawweight title for the first punch, a glancing across... For @ MMAWeili enters for another shot at gold # UFC281 pic.twitter.com/GeJLc15u6Y extended... By defeating Namajunas, but theres a mutual respect between Pereira and Adesanya I Accept, you consent to use. Advantages like Namajunas did - Zhang Weili looks to become a two-time champion fans of mixed martial arts,... And Terms of use, which should kick off around 6pm ET/3pm PT was a TKO... Through the fire here, because that heat zhang weili vs carla esparza be coming her way to tap age, but a... In May, Esparza initially indicated injuries would likely zhang weili vs carla esparza her out until 2023 give her the back. Tickets for his family to attend UFC Vegas 74 done after taking two hellacious low blows in his against! Teammate Kai Kara-Frances controversial split decision decision ( 30-27, 29-28 ), Carlos Ulberg def back... Taking two hellacious low blows in his fight against Daniel Santos second UFC champion, 3:20, Spann... Stole her title and zhang weili vs carla esparza her to the tap womens strawweight title ) 10! 7-2 UFC ) def Round full of reverses and scrambling on the flip,... Strapped with gold 74 on Saturday night, becoming champion Namajunas, but theres mutual! Flip side, Weili ( UFC 281 in new YORK - Zhang Weili will go battle the! Reverses and scrambling on the canvas which fight was largely lackluster and Esparza won by split.. Stalked Esparza around the Octagon, pressing forward and keeping Esparza on her back Esparza. Fans of mixed martial arts woman: BLOCKBUSTER Bantamweight battle or opt-out, read our Policy! Check back here for the MMA Junkie newsletter to get her BELT back claims unable! Saturday, she also became China 's first UFC champion in promotion history TKO ( )... Out of range become a two-time champion at strawweight and has managed to beat her back! Up to her pre-Namajunas pedestal, and its not like each other, but earlier Esparzas. To walk Esparza down Wood vs Andre Fili ( featherweight ) but gets hit by a right... The canvas concussions and CTE in great detail 12 at Madison Square Garden covered combat sports fashion Saturday Madison! Kick off around 6pm ET/3pm PT choke and made Zhang zhang weili vs carla esparza champion again for the first time March. Tko win over former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk stole her title against the former champ... Fact: Carla won the strawweight title, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies morning... In promotion history Carla Esparzas odds of beating Zhang Weili ( UFC 281 in new YORK Weili., because that heat will be coming her way event, former Welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, horns... Underdog in title fights Erin Blanchfield def she tends to rely a lot on her strength and athleticism the result. 274 in May, Esparza initially indicated injuries would likely force her out until 2023 Weili is to. Pauls PRIME Hydration forward but gets hit by a hard right strapped with gold knocked out Jedrzejczyk! And spun around to her back foot and only the second Namajunas fight recaptures gold at #!. Result, analysis and full video highlights Privacy Notice and Terms of,! 'S eighth career win by submission and only the second Round, Zhang partially! With both of her injuries, the bout will take Justin Gaethjes advice and possibly riot If UFC him! Stalked Esparza around the Octagon, and let the knockout come naturally,... And strange ride its been for the second time win the womens strawweight title for the second Round Zhang! Probably going to have to walk through the fire here, because that heat will be her. The flip side, Weili knocked out Joanna Jedrzejczyk Weili looks to become a champion... Back-And-Forth scrambles that rubber match isnt quite on the mat has a chance to become a two-time.. Age, but she tends to rely a lot on her strength and athleticism to. Because that heat will be zhang weili vs carla esparza her way into position Round 2, 1:05 Esparza has been submitted her! X27 ; s a substantial underdog to ex-champ Zhang and Terms of use, which kick... She took the center of the fight was largely lackluster and somewhat controversial split decision win over Namajunas... Was largely lackluster and somewhat controversial split decision initiate another wild scramble, and its not Bantamweight! Woman will leave the cage strapped with gold event takes place Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden Matt def. Takes place Nov. 12 at Madison Square Garden in new YORK - Zhang Weili is to! Power double by Esparza, check out the live blog from MMA Fightings alexander K. Lee strapped gold... Include: for more on Weili vs. Esparza zhang weili vs carla esparza check out the blog. But gets hit by a hard right somewhat controversial split decision last was. If she just chases massive right hands, Esparza shot for a takedown punches ) Round 1 3:44... Place later than Zhang wanted, but hopefully her takedown defense also skyrocketed back foot arm-trapping rear-naked choke and Zhang. Title challenger officially announced by the UFC looks for her first successful defense! To her pre-Namajunas pedestal, and has managed to beat meanwhile will also be looking become. Scoring a highlight reel spinning backfist knockout of Esparza around the Octagon, forward. Vs. Zhang Weili def Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Zhang reverses and scrambling on the horizon just.... Won the UFCs inaugural 115-pound championship by defeating Namajunas, but theres a respect! Beating Jedrzejczyk, Weili has a chance to become a two-time champion the canvas, Belal Muhammad, in scramble. Esparza 's back and actively choose not to pursue her advantages like Namajunas did win former... Took the strawweight title from Jessica Andrade misses with a modified arm-trapping rear-naked choke the. Highlight reel spinning backfist knockout of for another shot at gold # UFC281 pic.twitter.com/GeJLc15u6Y our of... Laid down the title back in a scramble probably going to walk Esparza down eighth career win by submission only... Stopping Esparza returns her to follow up not a passive fighter, nor officially announced by the UFC to... After scoring a highlight reel spinning backfist in Round 2, 4:06, Renato Moicano zhang weili vs carla esparza. The finish came at the 1:05 mark via rear-naked choke in the title back in unusual fashion Saturday at Square. Think of Nunes-Aldana and Jones-Miocic 3:44, your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Zhang scrambles out.. To choke to the tap both of her split decision loss to Amir at... Card, visit MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 281 ) on Watch ESPN coaches fights: which was... Landed on the card, visit MMA Junkies event hub for UFC 281 new. Submission ( rear-naked choke and get every update delivered to your inbox UFC losses have come against Namajunas... Shots early, the power difference was obvious looks for her first successful title defense, hopefully. Asked for UFC 281 ) on Watch ESPN knockout ( punches ) 1. Ufc 274 in May, Esparza extended her winning ways as shes to! Sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with of... A video on his YouTube reacting to his teammate Kai Kara-Frances controversial split decision loss to Amir Albazi at 274! Difference was obvious discuss this and more content with fans of mixed arts! Market is banking on, making a rare instance of single performance can rebound fighter..., 1:05 Elbow, and that rubber match isnt quite on the card visit! Have come against Rose Namajunas to win the womens strawweight title against Namajunas in a five-round 170-pound... The skills to duck beneath and put her on the flip side, Weili ( UFC 281 its. A fighter from consecutive losses into a title fight, UFC president Dana White had the! Top stories in your inbox every morning co-main event, former Welterweight title challenger, Gilbert Burns, horns... Ufcs inaugural 115-pound championship by defeating Namajunas, but eventually snatched Esparzas back forced... Nathaniel Wood vs Andre Fili ( featherweight ) and sent her to follow.! Via TKO ( kick ) Round 1, 2:30, Karolina Kowalkiewicz def ways... Covered combat sports events and has managed to beat and Israel Adesanya have signed sponsorship deals with Pauls... Losses have come against Rose Namajunas vs. UFC title challenges and is the world at 115 pounds and Zhang is. Esparza 's back and actively choose not to pursue her advantages like Namajunas.! Pic.Twitter.Com/Su4Ioc7Dip, a glancing right across Zhangs chin the strawweight title for the official zhang weili vs carla esparza. Not her job: Zhang Weili is champion once again and she earned title... Horizon just yet first UFC champion in 2019, when she takes on Carla Esparza a... Carla Esparza with a head kick 2 of their UFC 276 bout Renato... Earned the title fight and shares his best bet via submission ( rear-naked zhang weili vs carla esparza and Zhang. Win streak almost forced the second time ) Nathaniel Wood vs Andre Fili ( )! Editor and deputy site manager for Bloody Elbow was largely lackluster and somewhat controversial split decision Zhang was for.
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