The world of MMA seems to continue to grow as a global sport. Fighters from Iran to Denmark and China to Nigeria fought valiantly in Las Vegas on the weekend for UFC 248.
When Zhang Weili, the first-ever UFC champion from China, announced that she would be defending her belt against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the former strawweight world champion, the MMA world rejoiced. Not only was this a potential Fight of the Year match, it was the chance for Weili to completely legitimize herself as world champion by defending her championship. For Jedrzejczyk, this was a shot at reinstating herself as the world number one at 115 pounds.
The fight was legendary and foundational for the sport. In a potential Fight of the Year candidate for 2020, Weili was able to win the fight on the score cards via split decision. Reports confirmed that both Zhang and Jedrzejczyk were admitted and discharged from a local hospital with no serious injuries after the contest.
Many are calling it the greatest fight in the history of women’s MMA. Others are saying that it is simply one of the greatest title fights in the history of the sport, regardless of gender. I would argue that it was both of those things.
After a performance like that, some time off is well deserved. The UFC has its next global superstar, and her name is Zhang Weili.
