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Jonathan White

China’s UFC superstar Zhang Weili revealed how her mother and her motherland’s fight against the coronavirus inspired her victory over Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248.
In an interview with China’s English-language state broadcaster CGTN, Zhang explained how the virus had impacted her training ahead of her March 8 fight in Las Vegas.
“On February 1 the UFC told me that the flights between China and the US were all cancelled so I need to travel to Thailand for my following preparation. So we packed up immediately and arrived in Thailand that afternoon. It took me a whole week to adjust to the humid climate and I could not even breathe in the first three days.
“I was told to travel again, this time to Abu Dhabi, as the coronavirus also broke out in Thailand. To be honest I broke down as it was so hard and unfair for me.”




















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Be sure to weigh up who fights like a woman in the future @suckerpunchent @secretofathleticism @john_yodpetch @pedrojordaobjj @rubenpayanjr @zhangweilimma @cobrafitnessuae @cai8005457
A post shared by Weili Zhang 张伟丽 (@zhangweilimma) on Mar 13, 2020 at 4:35pm PDT



Zhang revealed that a phone call to her mother calmed her down.
“I called my mother to tell her the story and she encouraged me by telling me about those that stand at the front line to fight against the virus. The doctors, nurses and even food delivery people.


“She said, ‘Everyone is working to do their job, so do you,’ and that helped me calm down to concentrate on my preparations.”
After the disrupted journey to the US, Zhang admitted that she did not feel she was able to perform to her fullest.
“I suffered from jet lag after arriving in the US. I could only sleep for four or five hours before getting up for training so I kept imagining myself winning the fight and wearing the belt.”




















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I’m moving up to heavy weight now... And taking everything you working for @dc_mma !
A post shared by Weili Zhang 张伟丽 (@zhangweilimma) on Mar 13, 2020 at 8:39pm PDT



That projected victory was not just personal for Zhang.
“I was devoted to winning in order to share the glory and give encouragement to both patients and health care workers in China. I think my country needed this victory.
“Everyday I read news about the coronavirus in China. The numbers and reports are depressing so I wanted to win it for China, to cheer my compatriots up.”
UFC: Joanna ‘kept crying, covering her head’ in hospital – Zhang
The outbreak not only dominated Zhang’s thoughts but was also the subject of pre-fight trash talk from her Polish opponent.
“I understand there is a cultural difference and it is a tradition in fighting to challenge and trash talk each other. If you attack me about my performance I am OK with that but not the coronavirus. People are dying, families are falling apart because of the epidemic. It’s not something that you can joke about.
“So I was angry and I replied to her that I hope she’s healthy and I will meet her in the Octagon.”
UFC: Joanna to undergo surgery; says Zhang asked to train with her
When they met, in a fight many see as a future Hall of Famer, Zhang won in a split-decision from the judges. It has been reported that Jedrzejczyk wants another shot at the title but Zhang was dismissive.
“I’ve heard that she wants a rematch but I think now is not the time. There are lots of fighters who want to challenge me for the title and she needs more time to prove herself.”
Zhang and her team remain in Las Vegas after cancelling plans to return to Beijing because of potential exposure to the coronavirus.


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Zhang Weili’s phone call with mother inspired Joanna Jedrzejczyk UFC 248 win

UFC women's strawweight champion Zhang Weili of China celebrates her split decision victory over former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. Photo: AP

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UFC women's strawweight champion Zhang Weili of China ahead of her fight with Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland at UFC 248. Photo: AP

UFC women's strawweight champion Weili Zhang, right, of China punches former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, March 7, 2020. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

UFC: Joanna Jedrzejczyk to undergo surgery – and reveals Zhang Weili asked to train with her

Joanna Jedrzejczyk at the end of her fight during a split decision loss to Zhang Weili at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Photo: AFP

UFC: Zhang Weili says Joanna Jedrzejczyk ‘cried for hours’ in hospital – ‘she kept covering her head’

Joanna Jedrzejczyk hangs on to Zhang Weili in a split decision loss during their strawweight title bout at UFC 248. Photo: AFP

UFC 248: Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk make compelling case for equal pay in MMA

Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk square off in what was a fight for the ages. Photo: AP

UFC women's strawweight champion Weili Zhang of China and former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland during UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, March 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus)/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Joanna Jedrzejczyk hangs on to Weili Zhang in a split decision loss during a strawweight title bout at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harry How/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

UFC 248: Zhang Weili ‘not elite’ and will lose next title fight says Valentina Shevchenko

UFC women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili kicks Joanna Jedrzejczyk during UFC 248. Photo: AP

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Mixed Martial Arts


Strawweight champ reveals upset as coronavirus forced training from Beijing to Thailand to Abu Dhabi before Las Vegas
Mum told of ‘doctors, nurses and food delivery people’ on the front line, which helped inspire Joanna Jedrzejczyk victory



UFC strawweight champion reveals phone call with mother got victory on track after coronavirus moved training camp.


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