Zhang Weili successfully defended her UFC strawweight title at UFC 312, dominating Tatiana Suarez and earning praise from peers, with suggestions to move up a weight class to challenge Valentina Shevchenko.
Zhang Weili wowed her peers once again.
The UFC strawweight champion defended her title impressively Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 312. Overcoming a slow start, she dominated previously undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez.
This victory marked Zhang’s third consecutive title defense in her second reign as champion, and her fourth defense overall.
Zhang simply outclassed Suarez. Not only did she batter the wrestling specialist on the feet, but she also turned the tables with explosive scrambles and takedowns of her own.
As the bout progressed, it became clear that Zhang was in a different class. Now, she’s not only cemented herself as arguably the best ever to compete at 115 pounds but also possibly one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo praised Zhang’s performance. He suggested it’s time for her to move up to 125 pounds to face Valentina Shevchenko, an opponent Zhang has wanted to fight for some time.
See more fighter reactions from social media below.
Weili needs to move up in weight and challenge Valentina Shevchenko to become double champ. The only fight that makes sense! #UFC312
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo)
Zhang Weili is a dominant force. All-time great. Respect to a legend of the sport #UFC312
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo)
Weili is so good what a performance
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170)
Great fight ladies. Weili is as strong and well round of a champion as we have ever had. #UFC312
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban)
Weili goes into beast-mode in rounds 2-5 to retain the belt in dominant fashion. #ufc312
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian)
Zhang Weili will be champ for a very long time . Barring getting caught ! #UFC312
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) February 9, 2025