UFC 261: Rose Namajunas stresses respect for Zhang Weili, says issue has been ‘magnified’
- ‘It wasn’t supposed to be a personal attack, even though people took it that way,’ Namajunas says of pre-fight comments on communism
- Lithuanian-American challenger insists the Chinese champion’s ‘fiery spirit’ matches hers as she targets strawweight title
Rose Namajunas has stressed the respect she has for Zhang Weili as a fellow martial artist as she prepares to take on the strawweight champion at UFC 261 in Jacksonville, Florida, this weekend.
That doesn’t mean Namajunas doesn’t want to beat Zhang bad.
“We’re all fighters but not all of us are martial artists and she’s definitely a true martial artist,” Namajunas told SCMP MMA on Thursday. “So there’s definitely that common ground that we share. But that doesn’t change anything between us come the fight. Fists are going to be flying, kicks and punches, and everything.”
Zhang (21-1) and Namajunas (9-4) have backgrounds steeped in traditional martial arts, but the Lithuanian-American said she had been taken by her Chinese opponent’s attitude to the fight game, as much as the skill set she brings to the Octagon.
“She’s got a fiery spirit, so that’s something I’ve kept in my mind for the entire training camp,” Namajunas said. “I’ve really focused on being consistent and disciplined, and adding that into my game because I see that in her game. I have a very fiery spirit myself. I’m very passionate. So those two things will clash this weekend.”