Zhang stops Andrade in 42 seconds for UFC belt
The UFC has its first Chinese language champion and a model new star in a vital market.
Performing in her residence nation, Zhang Weili destroyed Jessica Andrade with a barrage of blows on the very outset and Andrade was not capable of recuperate. The TKO end got here at simply 42 seconds of the primary spherical in the primary occasion of UFC Shenzhen. Zhang grew to become the primary UFC champion from China and solely the second UFC titleholder ever born in Asia. It was the second quickest stoppage in UFC strawweight historical past.
“My title is Zhang Weili!” Zhang stated afterward in English. “I am from China. Keep in mind me!”
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Andrade crowded Zhang early and obtained hit with a number of nasty combos for her efforts. Zhang landed a giant proper elbow within the clinch, then an enormous proper cross that wobbled Andrade.
When she noticed Andrade in hassle, Zhang poured it on. She landed extra elbows and a number of onerous knees to the physique within the clinch. When Andrade separated, Zhang adopted up with extra punches and referee Leon Roberts needed to step in to cease it.
Zhang got here in ranked No. 6 within the UFC’s official strawweight rankings. She is the second-lowest ranked ladies’s fighter to win a UFC title after Holly Holm (No. 7) when she beat Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in 2015.
Zhang (20-1) has gained 20 straight fights, together with all 4 of her UFC bouts. She has not misplaced since her professional MMA debut in 2013. Zhang, 30, has completed two of these 4 UFC victories and 17 of her 20 wins general.
China has been a focus because the UFC continues to broaden internationally. In June, the promotion opened up a $13 million, 93,000-square-foot Efficiency Institute in Shanghai, the place it hopes to develop expertise within the area. Now, the UFC has a champion in Zhang that may assist it safe a foothold within the nation.
Andrade (20-7) had a four-fight successful streak snapped. The Brazilian slugger gained the title by beating Rose Namajunas through slam knockout at UFC 237 in April. This was her first title protection. Andrade, 27, is 7-2 within the UFC strawweight division after shifting down from bantamweight and is tied for probably the most wins amongst ladies in UFC historical past.
“I wasn’t capable of carry out as I want, however hopefully I get an opportunity to battle her once more elsewhere or right here in China,” Andrade stated by means of an interpreter.