At 35, Weili’s victory over undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez cemented her place in UFC history, dominating in all aspects of the fight and retaining her belt with a performance that left fans in awe.
Leading up to the fight, Weili’s camp was focused and meticulous. Training at Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA in Phuket, Thailand - a place she’s come to consider her “second home” - the Chinese champion fine-tuned her skills alongside top-level coaches.
Under the guidance of Head Wrestling Coach Frank Hickman, UFC lightweight fighter and Kickboxing Coach Brad Riddell and BJJ Coach Josh Hinger, Weili prepared for Suarez’s renowned grappling and wrestling.
Despite Suarez’s undefeated record and reputation for dominating with her wrestling, Weili entered the fight as an underdog, which surprised many, including UFC president Dana White.
“I bet the casino’s got murdered tonight because a lot of people threw money on Tatiana, but when you look at Weili, she’s one of the greatest of all time,” White said at the post-fight press conference.
“She’s the best female fighter in the sport right now. She actually out-wrestled Tatiana tonight.” UFC commentator Daniel Cormier echoed these sentiments, noting on his YouTube channel that, “Weili again proves why she is the best… I don’t know how anyone bets against this woman.”
The fight was a showcase of Weili’s versatility as an athlete and mixed martial artist, as she skillfully neutralised Suarez’s grappling, out-wrestling the challenger in a way few expected. While Suarez’s strength lies in her ground game, Weili’s ability to adapt and dominate all areas of the fight made her an overwhelming presence. Her victory was not just a testament to her striking but also to her improved wrestling, an area that was previously considered a potential weakness.
The win raised questions about Weili’s future in the UFC. Fans are eager to see her face off against UFC flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko in a super fight. Moving up to the flyweight division could be a new challenge, but one many believe Weili is ready for. While Dana White didn’t confirm the matchup at the press conference, he did leave the door open, commenting that “it’s a possibility.”
Li Jingliang, UFC welterweight fighter and fellow Chinese athlete, was also present at the press conference and voiced his admiration for Weili’s victory.
White echoed this sentiment. “She is such a huge, huge star in China for us,” he said, noting how Weili’s success continues to inspire the growth of MMA in the country, adding that it was a great week for Chinese fighters and that their success would help expand the sport in China.
Weili’s triumph at UFC 312 solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female fighters in MMA history and her future looks incredibly bright, whether defending her strawweight title or venturing into new challenges.