Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili Prediction: Who Will Win the Rematch of the Ages?

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili Prediction: Who Will Win the Rematch of the Ages?

UFC 275 features many intriguing matchups with dynamic storylines, perhaps none better than the rematch of one of the best women's MMA fight the sport has ever seen. In March 2020, Zhang Weili and Joanna Jedrzejczyk met in the women's strawweight title fight, with Zhang keeping the belt in a split decision victory. The first fight was an absolute war, with both fighters landing over 160 significant strikes. If this fight tomorrow is anything like the first, we are in for another highly entertaining bout. Zhang is currently the betting favorite and is sitting around -165 on most books. So who should we back in this rematch?

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili Prediction

The biggest thing that draws my attention in this fight is the layoff for Joanna. Joanna Jedrzejczyk's last fight inside the octagon was that loss to Zhang Weili. She hasn't fought in over two years, while Zhang has stayed busy fighting for the title...twice. Joanna will always be remembered as one of the greatest strawweights, and she has fought in a total of ten UFC title fights, but over two years off from the sport as a 34-year-old is not a prime situation for a return. Joanna is also 2-4 over her last six fights, granted all four losses were title fights. Still, it's a worrisome situation. Apparently, Joanna has been training hard every day, and I believe her, but from what I have heard from many UFC fighter interviews and commentators, ring rust is a real thing, and layoffs are never easy to return from.

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The other angle of this fight is the common opponent in Rose Namajunas. It's debated whether comparing performances against common opponents is actually valuable, but I believe it is, especially considering both have multiple fights against Namajunas as well. Both lost each of their fights against Namajunas, but Zhang proved the much tougher opponent, at least the second time around. Joanna and Zhang were both knocked out in their first fight against Rose, but the second fights were much different. Joanna lost a convincing unanimous decision to Rose, while Zhang lost in a controversial and very close split decision.

Zhang and Joanna had a close first fight, and ultimately, Zhang was the winner based on landing more damage. Joanna outlanded Zhang but didn't have enough power behind her shots to outscore her. I predict we will see a similar fight. This fight is only three rounds this time around as well. I think that favors Zhang since Joanna has been in more five-round fights and has the better cardio. Zhang has more packed behind her punches, and Joanna has less time to plan and wear on you like she is known for in a three-round fight. Joanna is the more experienced and technical fighter, but the layoff and power difference will give Zhang the edge I believe she needs. Take Zhang to make it 2-0 in this rematch of former champs.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Zhang Weili Pick

• Play: Zhang Weili ML @ -165 (Bet $165 to win $100)

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