UFC eyes return to Asia in 2021

The world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion UFC is looking to go back to Asia this year.

According to UFC president Dana White, the organization is hoping to pit UFC women’s strawweight world champion Zhang Weili against ex-champion Rose Namajunas in a yet to be determined date and venue.

“We’re working on her (Zhang) too. Obviously, the fight everybody wants to see is her and Rose [Namajunas],” White told ESPN.

“Hopefully we can get that done. If not, the next one in line would probably be Carla Esparza. We’re looking to do that fight this year and in Asia.”

The organization’s last visit to Asia was for UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Askren which took place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in October 2019.

The 31-year-old Chinese champion, meanwhile, last saw action against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248 in March 2020 where Zhang emerged victorious via split decision.

As the UFC resumes having an audience for its events starting this month in Abu Dhabi, it remains to be seen how the company will put up a show with Zhang given her massive fanbase in China. -- BAP, GMA News