Looking back at the most exciting women’s Title match in MMA history

When it comes to unforgettable moments in MMA, few can compare to the legendary showdown between Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk at UFC 248. This historic battle, which took place on March 7, 2020, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, not only elevated women’s MMA but also solidified its place among the greatest fights in the sport’s history. For 25 minutes, these two warriors went to war, redefining what is possible inside the octagon.

High Stakes and Unmatched Rivalry

Leading up to the fight, the stakes were incredibly high. Zhang Weili, the reigning champion, was a rising star in MMA and an icon in China. With a record of 20-1, Zhang had recently defeated Jessica Andrade to claim the UFC strawweight title. On the other hand, Joanna Jędrzejczyk, the former strawweight champion, was looking to reclaim her throne after losing it to Rose Namajunas in 2017. While Jędrzejczyk had experienced some setbacks, including a 2-3 record in her last five bouts, her legendary status and elite skill set made her a formidable challenger.

This clash was not just a fight for the strawweight title; it was also a battle of two incredibly determined women, each vying to prove their place in MMA history. Fans eagerly awaited what many predicted would be an all-time classic.

The Fight of a Lifetime

From the moment the bell rang, both fighters set a blistering pace, exchanging strikes at a relentless rate. Jędrzejczyk, known for her striking precision, began by landing early, controlling the center of the octagon with her combination of punches. Zhang, however, wasn’t intimidated. As the round progressed, Zhang began to land heavier shots, showing her power and adaptability. The first round ended with both women marked by the intensity of the battle but neither willing to relent.

The second round showcased even more back-and-forth action. Jędrzejczyk’s superior footwork and varied strikes kept Zhang at bay early, but Zhang responded with devastating counterpunches and elbows, causing swelling around Jędrzejczyk’s eye. The two fighters battled fiercely in the clinch, trading shots against the fence and demonstrating incredible resilience.

As the fight entered the third and fourth rounds, the pace didn’t slow. Both fighters endured punishing strikes and remained aggressive, with Zhang’s power being matched by Jędrzejczyk’s technical brilliance. The crowd could hardly keep up as each fighter took turns rocking the other, making it impossible to predict the outcome.

The Final Round: A Fight to Remember

By the time the fifth and final round arrived, it was clear that both Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk had given everything they had. Zhang landed a devastating left hook that rocked Jędrzejczyk, but the Polish fighter responded with relentless pressure, landing several strikes in return. With just two minutes left, both women were exhausted, but their drive to win pushed them to continue exchanging blows.

In the final moments, Jędrzejczyk landed a spinning backfist, but Zhang fired back with a punch that sent the crowd into a frenzy. When the final horn sounded, both fighters had nothing left to give, but they had given fans a fight for the ages.

Zhang Weili Retains the Title: A Legacy Cemented

After five thrilling rounds, Zhang Weili was declared the winner by split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48), retaining her UFC strawweight title. The decision was incredibly close, and many fans felt the fight could have gone either way. Regardless, the fight was awarded Fight of the Year honors by UFC, underscoring its historic significance.

For Zhang, the victory solidified her place as one of the greatest fighters in the sport. But for Jędrzejczyk, the fight proved that she was still one of the most elite athletes in MMA, regardless of the result. Both women left the octagon as legends, having delivered an unforgettable display of skill, heart, and toughness.

A Lasting Impact: Redefining Women’s MMA

While Zhang Weili and Joanna Jędrzejczyk would later face off again in a rematch at UFC 275 in 2022, their first encounter remains a monumental moment in women’s MMA. The fight wasn’t just about titles or accolades—it was a defining moment for the sport as a whole. It proved that women could deliver the same level of intense, technical, and dramatic action as their male counterparts.

When the history of MMA is written, the Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk bout will forever be remembered as one of the greatest fights ever. It was a fight that not only earned both women accolades and respect but also shattered barriers and set new standards for what women could achieve in MMA.