Carla Esparza stakes the UFC Women’s Strawweight title against former champion Zhang Weili in five-round bout that is part of the UFC 281 fight card on Saturday, November 12, at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Esparza outclassed Rose Namajunas via five-round split decision to become a two-time UFC Strawweight champion. On the other hand, Zhang seeks to become a two-time champion like Esparza and her knockout victory over former champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk gave her the opportunity to get another crack at the crown. Today’s MMA fight odds are already updated as betting fans await for an exciting fight in the women’s category.
UFC 281: Zhang Weili vs Carla Esparza Betting Information
| Date: |
Saturday, November 12, 2022 |
| Time: |
11:00 PM ET |
| Location: |
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, USA |
| TV Coverage: |
ESPN+ |
UFC 281: Zhang Weili vs Carla Esparza Odds
| Fighter |
ML |
|
| Zhang Weili |
-333 |
Place Bets |
| Carla Esparza |
+250 |
| Place Bets |
Zhang Weili
Zhang (22-3, 6-2 UFC) barreled her way to another title shot when she knocked out former champion Joanna Jędrzejczyk. She dominated her Polish foe and unleashed a spinning backfist that signaled the end of the match. The Chinese fighter again steps into the octagon looking to gain the 115-pound title for the second time. Zhang will have her hands full though, as Esparza stands in her way. The Chinese fighter has an excellent stoppage record wherein 18 of his 22 wins were either by knockout or submission. This means she has the striking power and the mat skills to beat Esparza and take home her second strawweight strap.
Carla Esparza
Esparza (19-6, 10-4 UFC) regained the 115-pound title when she emerged victorious in a close, five-round fight against Rose Namajunas. It was her sixth-straight win and this set up her title clash with Zhang. Esparza has the aggressiveness and endurance to stay until five rounds and remain standing after the fight. It will be tested again versus a determined opponent in Zhang, who has knocked out 11 of her foes. Esparza needs to muster all her strength to outclass a Chinese rampaging bull and successfully defend the title.
Zhang Weili vs Carla Esparza Betting Numbers
|
Weili |
Esparza |
| Record |
22-3-0 |
20-6-0 |
| Last Fight |
Win |
Win |
| Country |
China |
United States |
| Height |
5′ 4″ |
5′ 1″ |
| Weight |
115 lbs. |
115 lbs. |
| Reach |
63″ |
63″ |
| Win by KO/TKO |
50% |
21% |
| Submissions |
32% |
21% |
| Decisions |
18% |
58% |
| Strikes Landed Per Minute |
5.78 |
2.20 |
| Striking Accuracy |
47% |
40% |
| Striking Absorbed Per Minute |
4.26 |
2.59 |
| Striking Defense |
52% |
55% |
| Takedown Average |
2.09 |
3.25 |
| Takedown Accuracy |
34% |
35% |
| Takedown Defense |
60% |
47% |
| Submission Average |
0.3 |
0.3 |
Weili vs Esparza Summary
Initial UFC odds for the championship fight see Zhang as the heavy favorite to capture the title away from Esparza. Fight aficionados expect the Chinese to maximize her power to outclass her American rival and become a two-time strawweight champion. Zhang needs to execute a perfect strategy to defeat the champion, who is expected to utilize her cardio to outperform her rival. The fight could last the full route but if one of the fighters find a big opening in the middle of the fight, they will surely take the advantage and go for the kill. Zhang and Esparza are ready to steal the show with a high-octane showdown that could secure a post-fight bonus.
