4. Zhang Weili vs Tatiana Suarez
If there has been one frustrating spot in terms of the activity of the champions in 2024, it has been that Zhang Weili has had only a single appearance in the last twelve months. Exactly why she has been kept on hold for so long has been kept a secret on all sides, though the leading theory is that the UFC may be considering a battle of champions that sees Zhang move up to flyweight to take on reigning champion Valentina Shevchenko. “Magnum” has been fantastic in the UFC, having dispatched most of the competition put in front of her. As such, the desire to see her impressive talents tested is high amongst the fan base.
Enter Tatiana Suarez, the undefeated former Olympic hopeful who has become a notable brand in her own right. In 2019, Suarez had a full head of steam as she surged toward the title whilst also being pushed by the UFC with featured spots with sponsors like Modelo. Following injuries that kept her out of action for several years, Suarez returned in 2023 to become arguably even bigger than before. Notching victories over Montana De La Rosa and Jessica Andrade, Suarez soon reintroduced herself as a threat to the strawweight division. As a brand she also continued to grow as she was the focus of The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez documentary on HBO.
This fight will also be materializing soon as Zhang as Suarez are the co-headliner at UFC 312 on February 12.
