LAS VEGAS – UFC strawweight champion [autotag]Zhang Weili[/autotag] was surprised at the reception [autotag]Carla Esparza[/autotag] received ahead of their title fight.
The two fought earlier this month in the co-main event of UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Esparza was the defending champion, while Weili (23-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) was the challenger. Yet, despite defending the title in her own country, Esparza was booed by fans – and Weili cheered.
That caught the Chinese fighter off guard.
“Yes, I was so surprised,” Weili told reporters at UFC Fight Night 215 this past Saturday. “I don’t know why. Maybe more fans like my fight style. I don’t know. Poor Carla.”
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Weili would go on to submit Esparza in the second round of their fight and reclaim the UFC strawweight title. Weili believes her popularity and fan base are growing a lot.
“Yeah, I think in world too much fans supporting me,” Weili said. “Why I think it’s me, (because) I’m world champion.”
Although Weili has become an established figure in the UFC, the 33-year-old doesn’t want to see herself as a celebrity.
“I don’t think I’m a celebrity. I see myself as an MMA fighter,” Weili said. “More and more people are getting into this sport. I believe in the future. MMA sport in China will thrive.”
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