UFC: Zhang Weili plans US return after Lunar New Year, eyes fight with Carla Esparza
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China’s Zhang Weili is beginning to chart a course back to the UFC’s Octagon.
The 32-year-old “Magnum” (21-3) last fought at UFC 268 in November, losing a split decision to Rose Namajunas in a failed bid to reclaim the strawweight belt she surrendered to the American “Thug” in April.
Not everyone agreed with the judges’ decision, but in hindsight, Zhang said she believes her loss was justified.
“I think yes, I agree with [the decision],” she said in an interview with Migu, the UFC’s official broadcast partner in China. “Because I did have cardio issues in the last round. It came down to the last round to determine a winner. This was very important.”
Now back in China and out of quarantine, Zhang is already laying out plans for her next fight.
The first major step toward that objective, she said, will be a return to Fight Ready MMA & Fitness in Arizona after Lunar New Year in February.
