Zhang Weili sucessfully defended her UFC women’s strawweight belt for the first time with a Split Decision over Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020. It pushed her record to record to 21-1 (she lost her very first fight), and won Fight of the Year at Fighter’s Only magazine’s 2020 World MMA Awards. Zhang talked about it with Thomas Gerbasi for UFC.com.

“It was an honor to share the Octagon with Joanna and have the battle that we did, said Zhang. I have seen the fight many times now, too many to count. Not just because I watched it myself, but because it has been played over and over throughout the world. I’m happy that many people enjoyed the battle and I look forward to returning to the Octagon soon. … I am motivated by the competition and the ability to test my skills against other masters from around the world.”

“I knew Joanna and I were in a very exciting battle even before the actual fighting started. But as the fight progressed it was very evident that this was an epic fight because she brought out the best in me, which I believe I did to her as well.

It has been a trying year for all. I just hope for everyone to be safe and healthy so we can return to normal life. … For me, a perfect 2021 would start with everyone being safe and returning to normal. I would love to defend my title as many times as possible but would also love to have live audiences return so I can continue to meet my new fans. I want to show the beauty and aesthetics of our sport in the Octagon and I want to inspire people to overcome fear, prejudice, and difficulties. In the face of the epidemic, humanity needs this spirit. I hope for world peace when we take off the masks. This is my sincere wish.

UG, do you agree with the Fight of the Year choice, and if not, what fight was better? And whether or not you agree with the choice, who do you want to see Zhang fight next? Rose Namajunas is the front runner.