Zhang Weili displayed an incredible performance over five rounds, defending her strawweight title with a unanimous decision win over Amanda Lemos at UFC 292’s main event.
Zhang didn’t just win; she made history by setting a record for the most significant striking differential in women’s UFC, landing 288 strikes to Lemos’s 21 during the five-round battle. It was a perfect performance, as Zhang maintained her championship title in her second reign as UFC champion.
Addressing an enthusiastic crowd in Boston, Zhang expressed her gratitude, saying, “Boston, I feel here is my home. I feel the energy you gave me. Thank you, everybody, I’m so happy. I’m training every day so hard for an easy fight. I’m not surprised because I have a great team.”
The fight was predominantly controlled by Zhang, who started aggressively. An early misstep from Lemos allowed Zhang to take the fight to the ground, where she exhibited her dominance with controlled grappling and devastating punches.
Though Lemos attempted to turn the tables with a guillotine choke, Zhang’s patience and skill allowed her to escape and continue her powerful ground and pound assault. Despite signs of a potential finish, Lemos managed to endure and make it to the second round.
As the fight continued, Lemos was willing to trade punches, but Zhang consistently controlled the action, keeping Lemos on the defensive with relentless attacks, including short punches, elbows, and submission attempts.
It was only in the fourth round that Lemos began to find some success with her striking. However, Zhang’s pace only slightly decreased, and Lemos’s efforts were not enough to mount a comeback.
Zhang continued to dominate, even seeking the finish, and in one instance, she sent Lemos to the ground with a powerful punch, though Lemos managed to survive the following onslaught.
In the end, Lemos could only endure Zhang’s overpowering display, as Zhang successfully defended her title with an impressive and comprehensive victory.
The triumph leaves Zhang standing tall but with new challenges on the horizon, as potential contenders like Yan Xiaonan and Tatiana Suarez are ready and waiting to challenge her supremacy in the division.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zhang Weili
Who won the strawweight title match at UFC 292?
Zhang Weili won the match, defending her strawweight title with a unanimous decision win over Amanda Lemos.
What record did Zhang Weili set during the fight?
Zhang Weili set a record for the most significant striking differential in women’s UFC history, outlanding Amanda Lemos 288 to 21 during the five-round fight.
Where did the fight take place?
The text does not specify the exact location, but Zhang addressed the crowd in Boston, so it may have occurred there.
Did Amanda Lemos have any significant moments during the fight?
Though largely dominated by Zhang, Lemos did attempt to turn the fight with a guillotine choke and started coming alive with her striking arsenal in the fourth round. However, she was unable to mount a successful comeback.
Who are the potential challengers for Zhang Weili after this win?
Potential challengers waiting for Zhang Weili after this win include fighters like Yan Xiaonan and Tatiana Suarez.
What was Zhang Weili’s strategy during the fight?
Zhang Weili’s strategy was marked by relentless attacking both on the ground and feet. She controlled Lemos with a combination of short, punishing punches, elbows, and submission attempts, also using wrestling to maintain dominance.
5 comments
That was a total domination. Zhang’s striking was insane, lemos didn’t stand a chance.
Not really a UFC fan but caught this fight. What a performance by Zhang! Think ill be watching more often now.
is it me or was Zhang’s ground game just unbelivably good this time. She’s a monster in that octagon.
Wow Zhang Weili was on fire! i never seen a fight like this before. Who’s next for her? Tatiana??
Zhang’s strategy was impressive but lemos’s defense was weak. A fighter of her caliber should’ve done better. Her downfall started early, needs to work on her ground defense.