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Heading into UFC 312 as an underdog, Zhang Weili proved oddsmakers wrong with a dominant performance against Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event. The reigning strawweight champion systematically dismantled her challenger over five grueling rounds, neutralizing Suarez’s vaunted wrestling and delivering a punishing striking clinic. When the dust settled, Zhang secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45.
Zhang came prepared for Suarez’s relentless grappling approach and made it clear she wasn’t going to be overpowered.
“I had a full camp for this fight. I’m well prepared for this fight,” Zhang said. “I respect Tatiana. Tatiana is very strong. I respect Tatiana, thank you. I’m the underdog, it’s OK. I just focus on myself.”
Suarez wasted no time implementing her game plan, quickly closing the distance and securing an early takedown. However, Zhang remained active from the bottom, landing sharp elbows to keep her opponent uncomfortable. As Suarez attempted a guillotine choke, Zhang escaped and reversed position to end the first round in control.
From that moment on, Zhang seized command of the fight. She expertly stuffed Suarez’s subsequent takedown attempts, reversing positions and raining down strikes from the top. Every time Suarez closed the distance, Zhang punished her with elbows and short punches, making her pay for each grappling exchange.
The turning point came when Zhang connected with a devastating right hand that left Suarez visibly shaken. Although Suarez avoided being knocked down, she was forced to resort to desperate takedown attempts, which Zhang effortlessly countered. The champion’s confidence soared as she continued to land clean shots without any fear of being taken down.
By the fourth round, Zhang had completely taken over. She achieved a milestone by scoring a takedown on Suarez—a feat no one else in the UFC had accomplished. From there, she threatened with an arm-triangle choke before unloading more punishing strikes. Suarez, already dealing with a deep gash on her knee, struggled to mount any significant offense.
As the final horn sounded, Zhang was still raining down blows while Suarez clung on in survival mode. It was a masterful performance, solidifying Zhang’s status as the undisputed queen of the strawweight division.
With yet another title defense under her belt, Zhang may have positioned herself for a move up in weight. Having previously hinted at a potential flyweight title challenge against Valentina Shevchenko, her dominant showing at UFC 312 may have just paved the way for that opportunity.