Flying female fists fuel interest in combat sports

Zhang Weili celebrates her knockout victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland in a strawweight contest at UFC 275 in Singapore on Sunday. Mixed martial arts fighter Zhang Weili stages inspirational comeback Making a strong comeback from disheartening setbacks, Chinese mixed martial arts fighter Zhang Weili has rejuvenated her career while inspiring greater interest in the combat sport in her home country. Zhang, who won the nation's first MMA world title in 2019, punched her way back into title contention on Sunday by securing her 22nd career victory, defeating Poland's Joanna Jedrzejczyk in a rematch of their first encounter two years ago. Cheered on by enthusiastic spectators on Sunday at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Zhang ended the thrilling clash at UFC 275 by landing a spinning backfist to Jedrzejczyk's neck in the second round, sending the crowd into a frenzy while securing a shot at redemption in the women's 115-pound division. By defeating the Polish veteran again after doing so via a split decision in their first meeting in March 2020, Zhang improved her career win-loss record to 22-3, earning the right to challenge the division's current world champion Carla Esparza of the United States in her next fight.