Weili Zhang says she intends to 'become friends' with Rose Namajunas after fight at UFC 261

W. Zhang tries to defend the belt against R. Namajunas at UFC 261. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Looking to defend the strawweight belt (up to 52,1kg.), Weili Zhang says he respects Rose namajunas. According to the Chinese, there is respect for the former champion's achievements and there will be no offense on her part to promote the fight, which takes place at UFC 261, on April 24th. The champion even states that she is willing to 'become friends' with her opponent after the fight.

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“After we exchange a few blows, the friendship grows. I wish that, after the fight, we can become friends. Rose (Namajunas) is a very humble fighter and has beaten big names, like Joanna (Jedrzejczyk) and Jessica Andrade. She is a fighter with great skills and I feel a connection with her. It's good that, in the midst of martial arts, we have the possibility of building friendship”, said Zhang in an interview with the website 'South China Morning Post'.

THE 'Magnum', as she is known, became Ultimate champion in August 2019 by defeating the Brazilian Jessica Stacker at UFC Shenzhen. In her last fight, she also overcame Joanna Jedrzejczyk and defended the belt for the first time. At 31 years old, Zhang has a record of 21 triumphs and only one setback in his career.

With a record of nine wins and four losses, Rose namajunas, 28 years old, is coming off a triumph in the rematch against Jessica Stacker, UFC 251, which took place in July 2020. At the time, the fight ended in a split decision from the judges in favor of the North American.

In addition to the struggle between Weili Zhang e Rose namajunas: UFC 261 there is also a dispute over two other belts. The flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg.) Valentina Shevchenko face Jessica Stacker, while the rematch between Kamaru Usman e Jorge masvidal closes the event.