Zhang Weili demonstrated once again why she is the undisputed strawweight division queen by putting on a masterclass performance against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312. The reigning champion dominated from start to finish, demonstrating her exceptional scrambling skills, flawless takedown defense, and unrelenting pressure. As Weili effortlessly controlled the fight, UFC commentator Joe Rogan couldn’t help but admire her skill set in real-time.
Midway through the fight on his Fight Companion on YouTube, Joe Rogan brought up the significant talent gap between Weili and her opponent, highlighting how difficult it is to step up and confront a champion of her caliber. He said, “Well, I chose champion (on betting) because it’s just that there is a big difference in stepping up and fighting a champion like this when you have been dominating ladies that are of a lesser caliber. Zhang Weili is complete, and now you’re seeing it. And also, f—– tank, she is a tank of a lady.”
And to prove him right, Weili made sure to win the fight by making it a one-sided affair with her amazing skill set on display. So much so that when the fight came to an end, Joe Rogan summed up the dominance in a few words even before the judges’ decision was announced, “It’s over. It’s tough; it’s devastating. You can’t catch that. That gap, that’s a big gap.” However, it also made him wonder who else could go one-on-one against Zhang Weili. According to the UFC commentator, the Chinese fighter is on a different level altogether.
NEVER A DOUBT
Zhang Weili defeats Tatiana Suarez at #UFC312 by unanimous decision to remain the strawweight champion of the world! pic.twitter.com/gRGdjPOTw0
— UFC (@ufc) February 9, 2025
But what makes her so different? Joe Rogan revealed that it is all about Weili’s strength and conditioning training that separates her from everyone. “The thing about Zhang Weili is that her training, it rivals everybody’s. Her strength and conditioning training is f—– amazing. You wanna get fired up for a workout? Watch her strength and conditioning training. She’s ferocious, man. And again, it’s that championship-level experience. She’s been in all these trench wars.” Weili’s four-fight winning streak was extended with this victory, and she successfully defended her title for the fourth time. While Suarez was considered a top candidate, Weili’s performance made it clear who the actual division queen was. Missed the match? Here is how she dominated the fight.
Zhang Weili completely overpowers Tatiana Suarez
Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title for the third time by ending Tatiana Suarez’s undefeated record by unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 49–45). The Chinese dominated the American from start to finish and added her fifth consecutive victory. Suarez got the knockdown at the beginning of the round and from above punished the champion with the ground and pound. The American controlled her opponent, but Zhang Weili was able to change the position and hit her.
In the second round, the challenger took the Chinese to the canvas but soon found herself lying underneath the Chinese powerhouse. The champion punished her with her fists to her head. Standing up, ‘Magnum’ connected more, and they returned to the ground. The champion controlled Suarez on the floor again until the bell rang. The third round was dominated by the Chinese. In the fourth, the American got the knockdown, but ‘Magnum’ again came out on top, punished her with his punches, and controlled her until the end of the round.
The fifth round was not much different from the previous one and the champion successfully defended her title. So, it looks like Joe Rogan was actually right about the strawweight being built like a tank and barely anyone in the division to match her might. But what do you think? Is there anyone on the UFC roster to can take on Zhang Weili and actually dethrone her? Let us know in the comments.
The post “Dominating Ladies That Are of a Lesser Calibre” – Joe Rogan Drops Blunt Truth During Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 appeared first on EssentiallySports.