MMA Preview – Weili Zhang vs Rose Namajunas at UFC 261
WEILI ZHANG VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS FACTS
When is UFC 261? Sunday 25th April, 2021 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 261? VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 261? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 261
What channel is UFC 261 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 261? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
WEILI ZHANG VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS LOWDOWN
Weili Zhang (21-1) is finally back to defend her strawweight strap after that epic war with Joanna Jedrzejczyk. It was over a year ago now but considering the punishment they both absorbed, the 13-months lay-off may be a blessing in disguise. It was a very close fight that could have gone either way, but she has won 21 fights in a row now and obliterated Jessica Andrade to win the title. She is the biggest combat star in China right and her talent warrants it but it means there is a lot of weight on her shoulders.
A measly record in comparison, Rose Namajunas (9-4) is the next worthy challenger after earning a split decision over Jessica Andrade back in July. It was sweet vengeance as Andrade snatched the title a year prior with a murderous slam knockout. She was winning the fight but one mistake in holding on to a kimura made her pay in devastating fashion. But now she has the hunger back for the title and she will be grateful she can prepare for a different opponent after consecutive rematches with Jedrzejczyk and Andrade.
WEILI ZHANG VS ROSE NAMAJUNAS PREDICTION
The second title fight on the UFC 261 is destined to be a banger. They are two of the most skilled and well-rounded fighters in the division. They are tremendous grapplers, but we expect the majority of this fight to play out on the feet. Any grappling will likely be a result of a scramble with Namajunas looking to pounce on Zhang’s back.
Wherever this goes, the exchanges are going to extremely technical. Expect Zhang to be aggressive throwing leg kicks with Namajunas armed and ready to counter with her three-inch arm and three and a half-inch leg reach advantage.
Zhang has the power and may utilise it in the clinch, but she will want to do most her work with powerful combinations. She will have to be careful though as Namajunas has terrific movement which can enable her to leap in the pocket and throw hard straight punches down the pipe.
Both women can finish but this has the makings of a tactical five-round battle and whoever can master the range the best should come out on top. Zhang is the favourite and we give her the nod but Namajunas represents the value as the underdog.
Prediction: Zhang via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Namajunas via Decision
