UFC 281 Results: Weili Zhang stops Carla Esparza in Round 2 (Video)

By Chris Taylor - November 12, 2022

Tonight’s UFC 281 event is co-headlined by a women’s strawweight title fight featuring Carla Esparza taking on Weili Zhang.

Zhang-Weili

Esparza (19-7 MMA) recaptured the 115lbs title at May’s UFC 274 event, scoring a split-decision win over Rose Namajunas. That victory served as ‘The Cookie Monster’s’ sixth in a row, a streak which has seen her defeat the likes of Yan Xiaonan, Marina Rodriguez, Michelle Waterson and Alexa Grasso.

Meanwhile, Weili Zhang (23-3 MMA) was most recently seen in action at June’s UFC 275 event, where she scored a nasty knockout victory over Joanna Jędrzejczyk. That win snapped a two-fight losing skid for the Chinese standout, as Zhang had previously suffered back-to-back losses to Rose Namajunas.

Round one of the UFC 281 co-main event begins and Weili Zhang gets off to a quick start. She lands a good combination. Carla Esparza answers with a straight right. Zhang is in on a takedown. Esparza sweeps her and takes top position. Good shots from Esparza. Weili looks for a an armbar. She winds up sweeping and takes Esparza’s back. The champion escapes a submission attempt and rolls into full guard. She lands some good shots but then opts to let Weili Zhang back up. The Chinese standout gets a late takedown and lands some decent shots to close out the round.

Round two of the UFC 281 co-main event begins and Weili Zhang lands a pair of shots. She gets the fight to the ground and locks up a crucifix. She moves to a choke hold and this looks tight. Carla Esparza taps and we have a new champion.

Official UFC 281 Result: Weili Zhang def. Carla Esparza via submission in Round 2

Who would you like to see Zhang fight next following her submission victory over Esparza this evening in New York City? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!


Topics:

Carla Esparza UFC UFC 281 Weili Zhang