UFC 248: Zhang vs Jedrzejczyk Betting Tips, Odds, and Preview

China versus Poland: The Battle of Two Proud Nations

The co-headlining bout of UFC 248 has the makings of an instant classic as Weili Zhang makes her first title defence opposite former champ Joanna Jedrzejczyk. In addition to the UFC Women’s Strawweight title, this pivotal contest has national pride written all over it, as two proud countries, China and Poland, take centre stage.

After losing her professional mixed martial arts debut, Weili Zhang went on a tear in China, and eventually found her way in the UFC. She’s currently 4-0 in the promotion, winning over the likes of Danielle Taylor, Jessica Aguilar, and Tecia Torres, en route to capturing gold in a 42-second TKO win in her home country against Jessica Andrade last August.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk was once the untouchable strawweight queen, defending her belt five times, before losing to Rose Namajunas in back to back pay-per-view cards in New York City. Even though she’s lost three of her last five contests, one of which is for the then vacant UFC Women’s Flyweight Championship versus Valentina Shevchenko, she’s still a household name for many MMA fans in her home country Poland, the rest of Europe, and across North America.

In a battle of east versus west, this particular contest shapes up to be a significant bout not just in the strawweight division, but the whole world of women’s MMA. Weili Zhang carries the proud nation of China in her shoulders, while Joanna Jedrzejczyk looks to make a case as the best fighter — man or woman — from Poland.

Who to Bet on UFC 248?

By the looks of it, UFC 248 will be Zhang’s first acid test in the promotion, as — not to discount — her previous wins in the promotion, she hasn’t fought anyone quite like Jedrzejczyk. For this fight, the titleholder packed her bags and set up her training camp in Thailand (and later on in Dubai) to further hone her striking for her upcoming bout against a world champion kickboxer.

Jedrzejczyk, for her part, has ruffled her fair share of feathers in recent months, after wearing a gas mask and posting it on social media, drawing the ire of many in Zhang’s home country and the rest of world affected by the virus outbreak. Controversy aside, Joanna Champ has always been known for getting inside her opponents’ heads before and during the fight, so time will tell if this affects the Chinese champion in any way.

Weili Zhang is a complete fighter who can stand and bang with the best of them, as well as take the fight to the ground, control, and even submit foes. Joanna Jedrzejczyk has a great track record in beating somewhat incomplete fighters, so if Zhang can successfully stifle and/or negate her stand up, then she would be in a world of trouble.

UFC 248 Co-Main Event Betting Tips and Odds

Right now, different oddsmakers put Weili Zhang as a slight favourite against Joanna Jedrzejczyk. 888Sport and MrGreen pegs the champ’s odds to be at 1.55, while Betsafe has it at 1.53 and Ohmbet at 1.7.

Joanna Jedrzejczyk, being the former champion herself, isn’t really that far behind. 888Sport and MrGreen puts her as a 2.4 underdog, while Ohmbet.com places her at 2.15 and Betsafe at 2.55.

Just like UFC 248’s main event, this co-headlining bout between Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk promises to live up to expectations — maybe exceed them altogether. It’s up to Zhang if she can overwhelm her challenger, and for Jedrzejczyk to find her groove and punish the champ on her feet.

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