Zhang Weili embracing threat of unbeaten Tatiana Suarez

Zhang Weili is prepared for the problem that the unbeaten Tatiana Suarez will deliver to the desk at UFC 312.

Weili (25-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) will try to make the third protection of her second strawweight title reign when she meets Suarez (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) within the co-headliner of Saturday’s co-headliner at Qudos Financial institution Area in Sydney (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).

Suarez has been pegged as a future title challenger and sure future champion since she gained “The Final Fighter” actuality sequence in July 2016. Her climb to the highest has been hindered by accidents and layoffs, however now the chance is right here.

She must get by way of Weili with a view to have her potential realized, although, and the champion mentioned she’s been ready for this second.

“I imagine I might struggle Tatiana eventually as a result of she has an excellent observe document, and he or she’s additionally very excessive within the rankings,” Weili informed MMA Junkie by way of an interpreter on Tuesday. “I feel Tatiana is superb at grappling and wrestling, and I’m very blissful I can struggle together with her in Australia. I feel Tatiana is the very best wrestler and grappler of all of the opponents I’ve confronted. However I feel all of Tatiana’s strengths have a technique to remedy it and a technique to deal with it.”

Though Suarez can’t boast the identical MMA accolades because the champion, Weili mentioned she doesn’t count on this to be an amazing second. She mentioned Suarez isn’t going to shatter beneath the strain in or out of the octagon throughout her first championship struggle week, and Weili factors to the various trails and tribulations she’s overcome to achieve this level as a purpose why.

“I feel Tatiana is a fighter who could be very persistent,” Weili mentioned. “She has confronted many adversities in her life so I’m certain she will probably be very persistent.”

For Weili, she is taking a look at UFC 312 as the subsequent chapter in her story. Weili has been the betting favourite for every of her earlier seven UFC title fights thus far, however it’s by no means as near a coin flip, with some oddsmakers even itemizing Suarez because the slightest of favorites.

Weili mentioned that’s not rattled her in any respect. She thinks all of the promise round Suarez to assert gold is warranted, however it’s her job to depart with the belt.

“I don’t suppose I have to show individuals fallacious,” Weili mentioned. “Tatiana is an effective fighter and I perceive why individuals suppose it is a shut struggle.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 312.