Zhang Weili (left) of China works out for fans and media during the UFC 312 open workout on February 5, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Zhang, a two-time UFC women's strawweight champion, is preparing to face undefeated top-ranked contender Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event of UFC 312 on Saturday in Sydney. Photo: VCG

Chinese MMA fighter Zhang Weili said Thursday that she is ready to take on her opponent Tatiana Suarez of the US in the upcoming UFC women's strawweight champion match on Sunday.

"I am ready to take the challenge," Zhang told the pre-bout news conference on Thursday, noting that she has spent most of her time in Thailand since November 2024 preparing for the bout. "The championship belt will still belong to me on Sunday." 

The fight, which will be a co-main event at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, has all the makings of a classic showdown as it pits Zhang's well-rounded skills against undefeated Suarez's dominant wrestling prowess.

"I think Tatiana is great in her wrestling and grappling, but I have also improved a lot in my wrestling and grappling in the past couple years, and prepared a lot for this," Zhang said of her opponent.

"It is also a good thing for me, as facing such a formidable opponent forces me to grow stronger," Zhang added.

The rigorous training regime in Thailand has been a crucible for Zhang, honing her skills and mental fortitude.

Suarez, on the other hand, is a formidable fighter with an unblemished 10-0 professional record. 

The American fighter's background in Olympic-level wrestling gives her a significant edge on the ground. 

Suarez has a knack for taking her opponents down and controlling them with ease, with five of her 10 wins coming by way of submission. 

Zhang revealed that on the Chinese New Year's Eve, she only ate three dumplings due to weight-control requirements, and on the first day of the Chinese New Year, she was back in the gym early for training, including a 10-kilometer jog in the afternoon. 

Facing Suarez's wrestling prowess, Zhang said her strategy is to just "be water," a famous quote by renowned martial artist Bruce Lee for being adaptable during fights.

"Every opponent is different. If you maintain a fixed style, it's not gonna work," the 35-year-old ­titleholder said. 

"MMA is not only about wrestling, I will adopt different game plans while facing different opponents."

Since claiming the strawweight title in 2019, Zhang has become a symbol of excellence in women's MMA in China as she won her last three championship bouts. 

"I think being a good example for others means I need to do everything even better," Zhang said when asked about being at the vanguard of the rise of Chinese MMA. "It means that I need to continue to improve and continue to be better than my old self."

Zhang said she will wear a red uniform during Sunday's fight as the color represents the ­celebration of the Chinese New Year and good luck. 

"I believe this will be a great fight for the ­audience," she said when being asked about how she sees the fight playing out. "A lot of people may think it's a fight between striking and wrestling, but I don't think so."