Weili ‘Magnum’ Zhang’s first strawweight title defence will come against former champion Joanna Jedrzejcyzk at UFC 248.
Weili Zhang claimed the 115-pound belt in August in emphatic style, when she knocked out then-champion Jessica Andrade in just 42 seconds to become the first Chinese champion in UFC history.
Zhang’s title fight against Andrade in her home country of China was just her fourth in the UFC, and her victory over the Brazilian made her a perfect 4-0, extending her run of consecutive career wins to 19.
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After a great weekend of battles in the @ufc in NYC, I am ready for my turn. #grrrlarmy
I Want to be Champ Again
The contender, Jedrzejczyk, won her last fight comfortably, defeating Michelle Waterson by decision back in October 2019, and will have the chance to hold the belt once more.
The Polish 32-year-old held and defended the belt on five separate occasions before eventually losing the title to Rose Namajunas in November 2017.
The idea of a showdown has been in the air for months, with the two fighters going back and forth in interviews and on social media.
Following her commanding victory over Waterson, Jedrzejcyzk quickly expressed her interest in stepping into the Octagon with Zhang.
Jedrzejcyzk told MMA Fighting: “I want to be strawweight champ again.”
“The weight cut went smooth and easy, and I’m very excited to step into the Octagon with Weili Zhang. I’m super excited about that.”
I’m Ready
The comments raised interest from Zhang, who responded on Instagram: “I am ready now. Call my manager or call Dana White. I’m ready.”
This prompted a response the president of the UFC, hinting that the fight would go ahead. White wrote on Instagram: “This is going to be a VERY fun fight.”
All Set
Although a post to social media didn’t necessarily confirm the fight would happen, it certainly got people excited to see two of the best strikers in the division go head-to-head.
And fans will be glad to see the bout looking a little more set in stone now, with MMA Fighting reporting that verbal agreements are in place for the two to come together.
Although no formal announcements have been made by the UFC, contracts are expected to be issued in the near future, and it looks all set for Zhang to defend her belt at March 7 2020, with the location to be confirmed at a later date. More bouts will also be added to the fight card in the coming weeks.
(Featured image source: Instagram/ Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejcyzk)