China trailblazer Zhang Weili headlines UFC return to Asia

Zhang Weili punches Joanna Jedrzejczyk during her split decision win in March 2020 in Las Vegas

Chinese history-maker Zhang Weili and two world title fights headline the return of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to Asia on Sunday after a break of more than two years because of Covid.

Former strawweight champions Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland are set to battle at UFC 275 in Singapore in a rematch of their March 2020 clash which UFC president Dana White calls "the greatest fight ever".

Zhang was the champion then, China's first in UFC and the country's face of MMA, and successfully defended her title with a split-decision victory.

There is no belt on the line this time but the victor at Singapore Indoor Stadium will get the chance to win the title back against America's current strawweight queen Carla Esparza.

"During the first fight with Joanna my thoughts were simple: I wanted to win.

"It's like the Chinese saying, 'Out of blows, friendship grows.'"

"Speaking from a spiritual level, I hope UFC fans see the strong heart that I have when I encounter a problem and then conquer it," added Zhang.

Jedrzejczyk has been biding her time, locked in extended negotiations with the UFC for a return to the cage and a chance to ultimately reclaim the belt she held from 2015 to 2017. 

"Weili is still the number-two-ranked fighter in the world so this is a very important rematch. It's such a big fight so it's straight in against the champion for the winner."

The 12-bout card on Sunday morning -- prime time Saturday night in the United States --gives the Las Vegas-based UFC a chance to relaunch its ambitions in Asia.

A "Road to UFC" tournament for unsigned talent from Asia took place on Thursday and Friday in Singapore. There are 10 fighters from Asia and Australasia on the bill on Sunday.

Brazilian light heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira faces Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka, who for years was an MMA champion in Japan.

The 34-year-old Shevchenko, unbeaten since 2017, has flown under the radar in terms of mainstream global recognition. 

"Valentina is one of the greatest female fighters of all time," he said.

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Originally published as China trailblazer Zhang Weili headlines UFC return to Asia