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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 21: Alexander Volkanovski talks during a media opportunity in promotion of UFC 276 (Adesanya v Cannonier) and UFC 277 (Pena v Nunes), at The Star on June 21, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images for UFC)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1404132346.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 21: Alexander Volkanovski talks during a media opportunity in promotion of UFC 276 (Adesanya v Cannonier) and UFC 277 (Pena v Nunes), at The Star on June 21, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images for UFC)
UFC 292 is shaping up to be an intriguing PPV, with the unfolding drama around the Boston card capturing the attention of fight enthusiasts. Amidst the buzz and the major shake-ups in the PPV roster, one title fight is emerging as a hidden gem, gathering momentum as the event at TD Garden draws near. While all eyes are fixed on the headline bout between Sean O’Malley and Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title, a fierce showdown awaits in the women’s strawweight division.
Two formidable contenders, Zhang Weili, aka ‘Magnum’ – the reigning strawweight champion, and Amanda Lemos, ranked #5 in the division, are set to collide in the Octagon at UFC 292. Both fighters are riding the momentum of victories in their previous outings, creating a compelling narrative for their impending showdown. But amid the anticipation and speculation, it’s the perspective of UFC’s #1 pound-for-pound fighter that has turned heads and ignited discussions about the potential outcome of this clash. So, what does UFC’s top gun think about this clash? Let’s find out!
UFC’s P4P #1 Alexander Volkanovski weighs in on Zhang vs. Lemos at UFC 292
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In a candid interview, Alexander ‘The Great’ Volkanovski, the pound-for-pound featherweight champion in the UFC, lent his expert opinion on Weili Zhang’s chances in the upcoming bout. His insights, direct and captivating, reflect the confidence he holds in the Chinese MMA’s caliber: “Weili’s back, and she looked great in the last one. So, I’m going to be straight up and just say – it’s going to be very hard to bet against Weili. I can’t see many people beating her.”
Volkanovski’s words carry a heavy endorsement. With a deep understanding of the sport, he acknowledges the impact of Weili’s recent performances. What’s more, his assessment takes a closer look at Weili’s competition.
He cites Rose Namajunas as the only fighter who could potentially defeat Zhang, referring to their closely contested past battles. He added, “I think the only person that could beat her was Rose… we’ve seen how close they fought out, especially that last one. I’m definitely going with Weili on this one.”
Moreover, Volkanovski’s analysis doesn’t stop there. He contrasts Lemos’s previous loss to Jessica Andrade with Zhang’s current prowess, emphasizing the latter’s superior skill set. But does ‘The Great’ place his bets on the Chinese champ?
Zhang Weili gets Alexander Volkanovski’s resounding vote of confidence ahead of UFC 292
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Surprisingly, the UFC #1 fighter goes on to predict a finish in the fight. He attributes it to Weili’s growth as an athlete: “I definitely think it could be a finish as well. I think it could be a submission finish or a takedown, and that’s how good – that’s how well-rounded Weili’s getting… I see her winning everywhere. Lemos might have good jiu-jitsu, [but] I don’t think it’s going to be enough.”
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 07: Zhang Weili of China prepares to fight Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland in their UFC strawweight championship fight during the UFC 248 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Furthermore, he confidently predicted a finish within the five rounds, underscoring her evolving skills and undeniable power. “I just think that’s how good Weili is – that’s how much better she’s getting. And that’s how powerful I think she is. So, I feel like it’s getting finished within the five rounds, and I’m pretty comfortable saying that…”
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On the other hand, Jessica Andrade, who has fought both rivals before, has an entirely different take on the outcome of the fight. As the anticipation for UFC 292 grows, fans await a pivotal strawweight title clash. What do you think? Will the reigning champ defend her title once again? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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