UFC 248 Main Card Preview And Predictions

Just four fights into her UFC career, Zhang Weili has already made history by becoming the promotion's first Chinese champion. Last August, Weili was able to put away an overly aggressive Jessica Andrade to capture the gold. She's a volume striker with plenty of power and hasn't lost a bout since 2013.

For her first title defense, Weili will take on former champ Joanna Jędrzejczyk. Jędrzejczyk, who held the strap for roughly two and a half years, is a decorated Muay Thai Kickboxer who has taken on the best of the best. The Polish star utilizes precision striking, exceptional footwork, and devastating combos to dispatch her opponents.

This is a very interesting match-up stylistically. Both women are high volume strikers but have a very different approach. Weili tends to rely on her power and explosiveness, while Jędrzejczyk uses a more technical approach to methodically (albeit violently) dismantle opponents.

Weili just took out the former champ, Jessica Andrade, in 42 seconds, so she comes into the fight with a lot of momentum as the betting favorite. Still, this will be her toughest test to date.

In order to defend her title, the champ will probably need to maintain constant pressure and keep Jędrzejczyk uncomfortable throughout. In doing so she could either land a game-ending shot or outpoint her opponent. However, if the Polish striker finds her rhythm it could be a long night for Weili.

Jędrzejczyk was an outstanding Muay Thai kickboxer prior to her becoming a mixed martial artist. As such, her striking is a bit more refined than her opponents. She has also had a lot more experience in five-round championship fights. Jędrzejczyk has gone five rounds seven times in her career, while Weili has never gone past three. If the fight gets to the later rounds, it should favor Jędrzejczyk — particularly since her fighting style requires less energy.

Weili does have a purple belt in jiu-jitsu, but Jędrzejczyk's takedown defense is pretty solid.

Look for Weili to come on strong early. However, the challenger should be able to use her perception striking to take over after the initial onslaught (as long as she's able to survive it) and rack up points in the later rounds.

The Pick: Jędrzejczyk via decision.