UFC 261: Zhang Weili vs. Rose Namajunas betting odds, preview, and pick

A grudge match for the strawweight title serves as the volatile co-feature for UFC 261, as Zhang Weili (21-1) and Rose Namajunas (9-4) collide in a bout that is sure to steal the show.

We have the betting odds and pick you need to be the big winner on fight night.

Weili is an indomitable force

It wouldn't come as a shock if Weili has lost a step after her brutal encounter with Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. Both women did whatever they could to beat the other to death, but Weili scored the split-decision win.

Weili is physically imposing and throws with bad intentions, and she is equally effective initiating contact as she is with her counters. She is a capable finisher with 17 of her 21 wins ending inside the distance.

Namajunas is a tough challenge

"Thug Rose" narrowly escaped calamity herself in avenging a previous defeat to Jessica Andrade at UFC 251. Whereas Weili is a striking specialist, Namajunas’ specialty is more geared towards submissions, which may not be the best approach against the champion.

Luckily, she’s a technically gifted striker with unparalleled toughness. Namajunas is extremely dangerous on the ground, and she hits hard enough to drop her opponents directly into her wheelhouse. That's something that Weili cannot ignore when they engage in close quarters.

Weili will stop Namajunas in a war

There has been a lot of ballyhoo regarding inflammatory statements Namajunas made towards Weili, allegedly calling her the face of Chinese communism. Those statements were unlikely to change the fact that this is destined to be a hard-hitting affair.

Weili and Namajunas are going to go right at each other, and considering the level of talent between them, this could be over right away or be another bloody bout that goes the distance. With that being said, Weili’s striking and size are enough to give her the edge.

While Namajunas is game, she’s going to be an open book for Weili, and won’t last long if she can’t disrupt her rhythm. Expect Weili to drop Namajunas first in a wild back-and-forth affair, and to follow it up with a ground and pound stoppage in the third round.

MMA pick: Weili