W. Zhang (left) with P. Jordão (right) after UFC Shenzhen. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @pedrojordaobjj
Only 42 seconds were needed for mixed martial arts enthusiasts to learn how to write and pronounce the name of the new strawweight champion (up to 52.1kg.), Weili Zhang. The target to be beaten to achieve stardom was precisely a Brazilian woman: Jessica Andrade, who held the division belt until UFC Shenzhen, held last Saturday (31). Although the Chinese woman's triumph impressed some MMA fans, Zhang's team was not surprised. One of the athlete's coaches, Brazilian Pedro Jordão, told 'MMA Fighting' that the victory was predicted by the technical committee.
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“It’s something unusual, but a series of factors helped her (Weili). Her long winning streak (19) with so many first round triumphs (11) definitely helped her. The fact that she is always facing opponents from other countries as well. It was a surprise for a lot of people, but not for us,” said Zhang’s jiu-jitsu coach.
Jordão also analyzed the moment he realized that his athlete would win. Right at the beginning, the coach saw Weili connect with a good blow to Jéssica's face and noticed that the Brazilian became nervous and continued to go forward. For the episode, Pedro remembered the duel between Amanda nunes e Chris Cyborg, in which the Curitiba native was surprised by a knockout after continuing to move forward despite being at a loss.
“Zhang is a beast. I thought (Jéssica) Andrade would have a hard time if she decided to join the open fight, but I was surprised that she did it so soon. I think she took a hit and was furious, just like Cyborg against Amanda. Instead of retreating a little, she continued going upwards.
The Chinese coach also commented on his pupil's future within the organization. With his feet on the ground, Jordão states that, when the octagon door closes, all athletes have a chance to emerge victorious, but, however, he bets all his chips on Zhang for his future commitments.
“She has the potential and talent to beat any girl in the top 10. A fight is a fight. When the door closes, it's a competition and the best one will win, but she has the quality to beat all her opponents. If I had to bet, I would bet on her against anyone”, said Pedro.
With the victory over the Paraná native, the Paraná native extended her streak of consecutive victories to 20. The fighter was defeated only once in her career, in 2013, precisely on her debut.
Zhang debuted for the UFC in August 2018 and, just over a year ago, the 30-year-old fighter already holds a UFC belt. In addition to the belt, Weili became the first athlete from China to become UFC champion in history.
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