Zhang has something to prove here, namely that this rematch is necessary in the first place. If Namajunas secures another title defense in her second run as champion, hopefully that will elevate her presence on the all-time lists. She’s been fighting the absolute best since she was 22 years old, and all that experience has refined a great talent into an incredible fighter.
UFC VS UFC 2 PROFESSIONAL
Namajunas’ record may not be the prettiest, but that’s the result of an undisputed title fight in her fourth professional fight. Instant title rematches can produce strange outcomes, but fortunately, this is a great match up either way. Video: Usman Shoves Covington, Dana Spooked At Staredown If Zhang closes in and forces a grueling fight, she’s more likely to take over and less likely to get knocked out in the process. That’s a potentially fight-finishing position, and just a couple knees to the mid-section could really take some of the spring out of Namajunas’ step. Plus, as she gets closer to Namajunas, the ability to latch onto the double-collar tie grows. Wrestling with Namajunas also isn’t a bad idea, simply because it’s the most exhausting facet of mixed martial arts. She should take a note from Andrade and look to punish the body with punches from those distances. In the clinch and dirty boxing range, Zhang is the more physical fighter. Rather than kickbox with Namajunas and hope to pull ahead over time - thus running the risk of getting caught by another big shot in the process - I’d like to see Zhang focus on closing the distance. Her conditioning is her greatest advantage, and Zhang has proven plenty durable when the strike coming her way isn’t a kick to the jaw. That’s not to say she’s without skill: the Chinese athlete is a skilled kickboxer and solid clinch wrestler. Rarely does overpowering strength match up with an incredibly deep gas tank, but “Magnum” is one of those special cases. Keys to Victory: Zhang is really a tremendous athlete. Key Wins: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 248), Jessica Andrade (UFC Fight Night 157), Tecia Torres (UFC 235), Jessica Aguilar (UFC Fight Night 141), Danielle Taylor (UFC 227) Video: Usman Shoves Covington, Dana Spooked At Staredown Bad Blood! Watch Final UFC 268 Pre-Fight Presser Highlights If Namajunas finds her foe’s timing while staying fresh, the chance of another big high kick or left hook connection is solid.
Making a fighter miss frequently scores well with the judges, and it really levels the playing field in the event of a volume/cardio disparity. The goal should be to draw swings and kicks from Weili as often as possible, only to dance back just out of range while making her reads. In this bout, that means fully capitalizing on her footwork. Namajunas gas tank is not a liability, but it is more human, and thus she’s often in a situation where making her strikes count more is essential. All of her recent opponents - Zhang, Andrade, Jedrzejczyk - are high-volume strikers, able to put out dozens and dozens of strikes seemingly without slowing.
She sets up her power shots brilliantly, and when push comes to shove, Namajunas is an underrated wrestler with a jiu-jitsu brown belt. Keys to Victory: Namajunas might not have the cold precision of Valentina Shevchenko or the overwhelming power of Amanda Nunes, but for my money, no women can top her smooth footwork and ability to build combinations. Key Losses: Jessica Andrade (UFC 237), Carla Esparza (TUF 20 Finale), Karolina Kowalkiewicz (UFC 201), Tecia Torres (Invicta FC 4) Key Wins: Joanna Jedrzejczyk (UFC 223, UFC 217), Zhang Weili (UFC 261), Jessica Andrade (UFC 251), Tecia Torres (UFC on FOX 19), Michelle Waterson (UFC on FOX 24) 1-seeded contender, Zhang Weili.ĭon’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action! The co-main event will see UFC women’s Strawweight queenpin, Rose Najamunas, aim to make it two in a row against former champion and No.
Headlining UFC 268’s blockbuster pay-per-view (PPV) will be Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman as he looks to defend his title once again against arch enemy and No. CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to the world famous Madison Square Garden in New York City with a compelling pair of world championship rematches on Sat., Nov.
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