UFC 312: Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez: Live round-by-round updates
A women's strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez will serve as the co-main event at UFC 312, later this evening (Feb.8) at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
Weili (25-3) is one of the most dominant strawweight champions in promotional history. Apart from her back-to-back losses against former champion Rose Namajunas, 'Magnum' has been unstoppable in the UFC.
The 35-year-old from China boasts a well-rounded game. With wins over the likes of Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Carla Esparza, and Jessica Andrade among others, it seems like Weili is well on her way to the UFC Hall of Fame.
Suarez (10-0) is perhaps the most highly touted contender in the history of the division. Many believe the former world championship bronze medalist is the most decorated female wrestler to have ever graced MMA.
While injuries and health issues have been a constant hurdle for her career, Suarez holds wins over the likes of Andrade, Alexa Grasso, and Esparza among others.
The American will enter the title fight as a -125 favorite with Weili as a +105 underdog. The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from UFC 312.
Check out the final face-off between the two below:
UFC 312: Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez
Round 1
Weili is employing a cautious approach, keeping her distance, wary of the takedown threat. As soon as the champion engages, Suarez forces a takedown and secures side control.
She switches to top control and tries to pass her opponent's half-guard. While the challenger is doing a good job of keeping her opponent down, she is doing little damage to her opponent.
'Magnum' seems puzzled on the ground. Suarezes wrestling degree is showing. Wow!!! Weili makes her way back up, but Suarez jumps on the guillotine. Her grip fails, but moments later she attempts it again at the cost of giving up top control to her opponent.
Weili finishes the round on top.
Our score: 10-9 Suarez, 10-9 Suarez overall.
Round 2
Weili tries to press the action on the feet. A mouse has appeared under the right eye of the challenger.
Suarez goes for another single leg and forces a level change, but Weili reverses and ends up on top. 'Magnum' is reigning down punches. She inflicts more damage as her opponent tries to get back up.
Weili threatens a guillotine but fails to secure it. As the pair separates Weili stuns her opponent with a powerful 1-2. The champion is getting more and more confident on the feet.
Suarez explodes to clinch her opponent against the cage. After a scramble, Weili takes her opponent down and secures top control. A wound has opened up on Suarez's knee.
This round is all Weili.
Our score: 10-9 Weili, 19-19 even overall.
Round 3
Weili looks more and more comfortable on the feet. She connects with a head kick. A mother right hook stuns Suarez. Huge right for Weili woobles Suarez.
The challenger shoots out of desperation but her attempt gets stuffed. The American forces her opponent against the cage but gets hit with an uppercut and left hook on the break.
The 1-2 is money for 'Weili as she connects it with complete precision. Suarez is having a hard time closing her distance with her opponent without getting lit up in the process. Suarez's movements are looking more and more labored as the round progresses.
Our score: 10-9 Weili, 29-28 Weili overall.
Round 4
Suarez gets hit with another 1-2. Weili then uses an inside trip to put the former world championship bronze medalist on the canvas. The champion sets up a head and arm choke, but the challenger defends it.
The proficient wrestler seems lost on the ground and Weili peppers her up with ground and pound.
Our score: 10-9 Weili, 39-37 overall.
Round 5
Weili is connecting almost at will at this point. Suarez tires for a takedown, however, she quickly disengages perhaps owing to the cut on her knee.
The challenger is getting absolutely lit up. She eats another powerful elbow as she once against tires to take down her opponent. Suarez almost takes her opponent down, but Weili reverses at the last moment.
Weili takes her opponent's back. It looks like she is working towards a rear naked choke. 'Magnum' fails to secure it, but quicly transitions to top control. Surez is getting hit with debilitating ground and pound.
Our score: 10-9 Weili, 49-46 overall.
Official decision: Zhang Weili def. Tatiana Suarez via unanimous decision. (49-46, 49-46,49-45)