The women’s strawweight title is on the line at UFC 292 in Boston when reigning champion Zhang Weili meets challenger Amanda Lemos. Zhang’s freakish physical abilities see her installed as a short-priced favourite, but Lemos may be a more formidable opponent than her current odds reflect. Read on for a full breakdown.

Zhang Weili v Amanda Lemos fight preview

Zhang Weili vs Amanda Lemos

Zhang Weili (23-3-0) has lost to only one fighter in her last 24 bouts as a professional. If she had dodged Rose Namajunas, Zhang would boast one of the most impressive records of any UFC athlete in history.

The Chinese national has swept the rest of her division and may soon struggle to locate challengers if she can score another win in Boston. Weili has no gaps in her arsenal, possesses enormous physical strength, and loves to break her opponents with relentless ferocity.

Zhang’s most recent effort was a second-round submission win over former champion Carla Esparza. Before that, she sent another former champ, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, into retirement with a spinning back-fist KO finish.

The 34-year-old is a huge star in China and has led the UFC’s push into the world’s most populous nation. She started her martial arts journey at the age of six, and years of training have made her an instinctive fighter who flows from one attack to the next without pause or adjustment.

Amanda Lemos (13-2-1) has built a strong 7-1 record since 2019, with the only loss coming via submission to Jessica Andrade. The Brazilian is a power puncher, and her phenomenal upper-body strength makes this a favourable matchup against such a tough opponent.

Although Lemos may lack the overall athleticism of Zhang, she should be able to compete on punching power and during grappling exchanges. She might struggle in the latter rounds, when cardio enters the equation, but has a reasonable chance of scoring an upset during the early minutes.

Lemos enters without pressure, and if she can harness this freedom and allow her fists to fly from the opening bell, fans might be blessed with a competitive contest. Recent stoppage wins over Michelle Waterson and Matina Rodriguez should have her confidence high for this tough challenge.

The 36-year-old is unlikely to make another run at the title if she fails in Boston, so it appears this is her only chance to be crowned champion. Her career was interrupted by a positive drug test in 2017, and she has now been handed a golden opportunity for redemption.

Zhang v Lemos betting predictions

It is almost impossible to tip against the dominance of Zhang here. She is a complete martial artist and should unlock a route to victory as the fight progresses. Lemos will need to catch the champion early and knock her out, or else face a lengthy lesson from one of the sport’s most complete athletes. Expect Zhang finish it in the third or fourth round after some spirited striking exchanges early.

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