Zhang Weili Ready for UFC 312 Showdown Against Undefeated Suarez

Zhang Weili, a two-time UFC women's strawweight champion, is gearing up to face undefeated Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event of UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. She has been preparing for this match since November 2024, primarily in Thailand. Zhang is confident in her ability to retain her championship title.

Zhang acknowledged Suarez's strong wrestling and grappling skills. However, she emphasized her own improvements in these areas over the past couple of years, highlighting the rigorous training regime she has undergone. She views Suarez as a formidable opponent, one that has pushed her to become even stronger.

Zhang's strategy for the fight is to "be water," a concept of adaptability inspired by Bruce Lee. She believes that a fixed fighting style is ineffective against different opponents. She recognizes that MMA encompasses more than just wrestling and plans to adjust her game plan accordingly.

Since winning the strawweight title in 2019, Zhang has become a prominent figure in Chinese women's MMA. She sees herself as a role model and strives to continuously improve and surpass her previous performances. She will be wearing a red uniform during the fight, symbolizing the Chinese New Year and good fortune. Zhang anticipates an exciting match, one that she believes will be more complex than a simple clash of striking versus wrestling.