UFC 261 could be another defining night for women’s MMA

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And of the 26 women’s contests to have been awarded ‘Fight of the Night’ honours in the UFC, Zhang’s first title defence is undoubtedly the highlight – and the consensus greatest women’s bout ever. open image in gallery Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk competed in arguably the greatest MMA bout of all time Since losing her pro MMA debut in 2013, Zhang has won 21 straight fights and required just four in the UFC to claim the belt once worn by Jedrzejczyk, who in 2015 became Poland’s first ever UFC champion and Europe’s first female titleholder in the company. She won her fight and her mum was being very positive, encouraging her to be a future champion – like me.” The UFC’s reach is particularly advantageous in helping to undermine stereotypes around women, Zhang suggests, as is the company’s apparent choice to promote female athletes as a result of their skills, rather than doing so in a token attempt to exhibit equality. Still, all eyes will be on the main card, as Zhang, Namajunas, Shevchenko and Andrade step into the Octagon on what could be another defining night for women’s MMA.