Zhang Weili doesn't understand why 'poor' Carla Esparza was booed at UFC 281: 'I was so surprised'

LAS VEGAS – UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili was surprised at the reception Carla Esparza received ahead of their title fight.

The two fought earlier this month in the co-main event of UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Esparza was the defending champion, while Weili (23-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was the challenger. Yet, despite defending the title in her own country, Esparza was booed by fans – and Weili cheered.

That caught the Chinese fighter off guard.

“Yes, I was so surprised,” Weili told reporters at UFC Fight Night 215 this past Saturday. “I don’t know why. Maybe more fans like my fight style. I don’t know. Poor Carla.”

Weili would go on to submit Esparza in the second round of their fight and reclaim the UFC strawweight title. Weili believes her popularity and fan base are growing a lot.

“Yeah, I think in world too much fans supporting me,” Weili said. “Why I think it’s me, (because) I’m world champion.”

Although Weili has become an established figure in the UFC, the 33-year-old doesn’t want to see herself as a celebrity.

“I don’t think I’m a celebrity. I see myself as an MMA fighter,” Weili said. “More and more people are getting into this sport. I believe in the future. MMA sport in China will thrive.”