Zhang Weili Embraces Tatiana Suarez’s Challenge at UFC 312

At UFC 312, Zhang Weili will put her strawweight title on the line against one of the division’s most dangerous contenders, Tatiana Suarez. The bout, set to take place at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, will serve as the co-main event on Saturday night.

Weili (25-3) is aiming for the third defense of her second title reign, but standing in her way is Suarez (10-0), a fighter who has long been regarded as a future champion. Since winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2016, Suarez’s career has been plagued by injuries and setbacks. However, she has finally earned her long-awaited title shot and is determined to make the most of it.

For Weili, this moment was inevitable. She always believed she would eventually cross paths with Suarez, given her impressive track record and elite grappling skills.

“I believe I would fight Tatiana sooner or later because she has a great track record, and she’s also very high in the rankings,” Weili said through an interpreter. “I think Tatiana is very good at grappling and wrestling, and I’m very happy I can fight with her in Australia. I think Tatiana is the best wrestler and grappler of all the opponents I have faced. But I think all of Tatiana’s strengths have a way to solve it and a way to handle it.”

Despite Suarez’s unbeaten record, Weili is not intimidated. She acknowledges the challenger’s resilience and the adversity she has overcome, but she remains focused on retaining her belt.

“I think Tatiana is a fighter who is very persistent,” Weili said. “She has faced many adversities in her life so I’m sure she will be very persistent.”

Weili has been the betting favorite in her past seven UFC title fights, but this matchup is almost a coin flip according to oddsmakers. Some have even made Suarez a slight favorite, but the champion isn’t bothered by the predictions.

“I don’t think I need to prove people wrong,” Weili stated. “Tatiana is a good fighter and I understand why people think this is a close fight.”

While Suarez aims to fulfill her long-awaited potential, Weili remains confident that her reign will continue. When the cage door closes, both women will have the chance to prove who truly belongs at the top of the UFC strawweight division.