UFC 281 video: Weili Zhang hits crucifix RNC on Carla Esparza to recapture 115-pound title

The UFC 281 co-main event saw the strawweight title change hands yet again. Weili Zhang reclaimed her 115-pound belt by submitting Carla Esparza with…

By: Eddie Mercado | 1 year ago
UFC 281 video: Weili Zhang hits crucifix RNC on Carla Esparza to recapture 115-pound title
Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

The UFC 281 co-main event saw the strawweight title change hands yet again. Weili Zhang reclaimed her 115-pound belt by submitting Carla Esparza with a crafty crucifix rear-naked choke in the second round.

The opening round saw Zhang get ahead on the strike count early on, but then Esparza started to wrestle. We got some pretty sweet scrambles because of it, but it was clear that Zhang did her homework. Zhang was hanging in the scrambles, refusing to allow Esparza to lock down top position. Once Zhang realized the crucifix from the back mount, it was only a matter of time before Carla was tapping.

Zhang is once again the queen of 115-pounds, and Esparza again fails to manifest a successful title defense.

Check out Tim Bissell’s play-by-play description of Weili Zhang’s finish of Carla Esparza:

Rd.2-

Zhang returns to the pressure with Esparza circling. Zhang stings Esparza with a jab. Esparza shoots and nearly finishes it, but Zhang ends up on top. Another scramble ensues and Zhang catches Esparza in a modified crucifix with a RNC. Zhang adjusts, squeezes, and gets the tap. We have a new strawweight champion!

Zhang Weili defeated Carla Esparza via submission (RNC) at 1:05 of RD2


Share this story

About the author
Eddie Mercado
Eddie Mercado

Eddie Mercado is a writer and content creator for Bloody Elbow, and has covered combat sports since 2015. Eddie covers everything from betting odds and live events, to fighter interviews and co-hosting the 6th Round post-fight show and the 6th Round Retro. He retired at 1-0 in professional MMA, competed in one Muay Thai match in Thailand, and is currently a purple belt in Jiu-Jitsu under the great Diego Bispo.

More from the author

Bloody Elbow Podcast
Related Stories