Zhang Weili sees Tatiana Suarez as 'potential challenger' after UFC 292, open to all-China clash vs. Yan Xiaonan
BOSTON – Zhang Weili doesn’t have any firm preferences for her next strawweight title defense after running through Amanda Lemos on Saturday at UFC 292.
Weili (24-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC) delivered one of the most lopsided performances in UFC title-fight history when she thoroughly dismantled Lemos (13-3-1 MMA, 7-3 UFC) over the course of five rounds to win a unanimous decision at TD Garden.
Many were left in awe of Weili’s dominance, and she was pleased to be able to fight at such a high level.
“The only challenge or opponent to me is myself,” Weili told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter post-fight at UFC 292. “What we’re going to do every day is make Zhang Weili better than who I was yesterday. … She’s unbelievably tough. I respect her. There were so many moments in the fight I felt she was almost out, but she got through this.”
After her first 115-pound title reign ended in disappointing fashion, Weili got her second run with the belt off to a positive start in beating Lemos. Now the focus shifts to her next fight, and there are seemingly two potential options.
Weili, 34, could face her Chinese countrywoman Yan Xiaonan, potentially on him soil. Or, undefeated contender Tatiana Suarez could be granted what many believe would be an overdue opportunity at UFC gold.
The latter matchup against Suarez (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) appears to pique Weili’s interest more than Xiaonan (15-3 MMA, 8-2 UFC).
“She’s good,” Weili said. “She’s undefeated. She’s a very good fighter. I think she can be a potential challenger next.”
In the immediate aftermath of her fight, though, Weili said she wasn’t keen to make any commitments about the future. Decompressing will be her first priority, and from there her team and the UFC brass will make the important decisions.
“I started my training camp this time since March, so I left my home for a couple months – such a long time,” Weili said. “The only thing in my mind right now is just returning to home together with my family.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 292.