Zhang Weili targets winning back UFC title in Abu Dhabi as Joanna Jedrzejczyk retires

Zhang Weili has set sights on reclaiming her UFC strawweight title in Abu Dhabi later this year after sending Joanna Jedrzejczyk into retirement with an emphatic knockout at UFC 275 in Singapore on Sunday morning.

Zhang, who held the belt between 2019 and 2020, finished her opponent with a brutal spinning back-fist midway through the second round of a fight that was at the time living up to their initial Fight of the Year in 2020.

However, immediately after the bout at a sold-out Singapore Indoor Stadium, Jedrzejczyk took off her gloves inside the octagon and informed UFC analyst Daniel Cormier during the interview that she would be retiring.

"It's been 20 years," said Jedrzejczyk, who held the women’s strawweight title from 2015 to 2017, defending successfully a record five times. "I'm turning 35 this year. I want to be a mum. I want to be a businesswoman. I've been training more than half of my life. I love you guys."

Jedrzejczyk, the UFC’s first Poland-born champion, leaves the sport with a professional MMA record of 16-5.

Meanwhile, Zhang has quickly turned attention to reigning supreme at 115 lbs once more. The Chinese star, who had lost her past two bouts having built a stellar 21-fight win streak, is the division’s No 2-ranked contender, with only former champion Rose Namajunas and current belt-holder Carla Esparza above her in the standings.

Speaking to Cormier through an interpreter inside the octagon, Zhang said: “Carla Esparza, I heard there’s an event in Abu Dhabi, and I want to invite you to fight me in Abu Dhabi. It’s not your territory, it’s not my territory. Let’s be in Abu Dhabi and fight together.”

The world’s lead mixed martial arts promotion returns to the capital on October 22 with UFC 281. Until now, there have been no bouts confirmed for Etihad Arena.

In UFC 275's two championship bouts, Valentina Schevchenko retained her flyweight title with a split-decision victory against Taila Santos, while Jiri Prochazka defeated light-heavyweight champion Glover Teixeira by fifth-round submission in a Fight of the Year contender.

Know before you go

Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')

Fulham 0

Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)

Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)

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Sugary teas and iced coffees

The tax authority is yet to release a list of the taxed products, but it appears likely that sugary iced teas and cold coffees will be hit.

For instance, the non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.

Cold coffee brands are likely to be hit too. Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.

The specs: 2019 Haval H6

Price, base: Dh69,900

Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km

MATCH INFO

Barcelona 4 (Suarez 27', Vidal 32', Dembele 35', Messi 78')

Sevilla 0

Red cards: Ronald Araujo, Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

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