The UFC strawweight division has delivered some of the most thrilling and emotionally charged battles in MMA history. With Zhang Weili set to defend her title against Tatiana Suarez at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, let’s dive deep into the legendary moments that made this weight class unforgettable. These fights were not just title bouts—they were spectacles that showcased skill, grit, and heart.

1. Carla Esparza vs. Rose Namajunas (TUF 20 Finale, 2014)

This was the birth of the UFC’s strawweight division, and the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Carla Esparza, the top seed and Invicta FC standout, was a dominant wrestler with a knack for methodical victories. Meanwhile, Rose Namajunas, the dynamic seventh seed, captured the hearts of fans with her flashy submissions and fearless attitude.

From the outset, Esparza’s wrestling neutralized Namajunas’ striking. Every flying kick and leaping attack from Rose was met with a calculated takedown. By the third round, Esparza’s experience shone through. She transitioned smoothly to Rose’s back and locked in a rear-naked choke, becoming the first UFC strawweight champion. It was a dramatic end to a tournament that had fans invested every step of the way.

2. Joanna Jędrzejczyk vs. Carla Esparza (UFC 185, 2015)

This fight marked the dawn of Joanna Jędrzejczyk’s reign of terror. Esparza, fresh off her championship win, entered as the favorite, but Joanna had other plans. From the opening bell, Joanna’s striking dismantled Esparza’s attempts to grapple. The jab was pinpoint, the kicks were relentless, and her takedown defense left Esparza frustrated.

By the second round, it was clear that Esparza had no answers. Joanna’s precision and pace overwhelmed the champion, culminating in a devastating TKO. This fight announced Joanna as a force to be reckoned with and set the tone for one of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history.

3. Joanna Jędrzejczyk vs. Claudia Gadelha (TUF 23 Finale, 2016)

The rivalry between Joanna and Claudia was electric, fueled by heated exchanges during their coaching stints on The Ultimate Fighter. Gadelha dominated early, using her grappling to control Joanna. By the end of Round 2, it seemed like Gadelha was on her way to an upset.

But Joanna’s resilience became the story. In the third round, she stuffed Gadelha’s takedowns, landed vicious elbows, and even beckoned her opponent to stand. The gesture was both defiant and iconic, marking a shift in momentum. Joanna dominated the final three rounds, earning a unanimous decision in one of the most dramatic comebacks in strawweight history.

4. Rose Namajunas vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk (UFC 217, 2017)

Joanna entered this bout undefeated, with an aura of invincibility. But Rose Namajunas was a transformed fighter. From the start, Namajunas displayed composure, feints, and sharp striking that kept Joanna guessing. Two minutes in, a clean right hand dropped Joanna, shocking the crowd.

Joanna managed to recover, but Rose’s relentless pressure and another left hook ended the fight. The image of Joanna crumpled on the canvas is one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. Rose’s victory wasn’t just an upset—it was a statement that "Thug Rose" had arrived.

5. Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas (UFC 237, 2019)

In hostile territory in Rio de Janeiro, Rose faced Jessica Andrade, a powerhouse known for her relentless aggression. Rose’s jab and footwork dominated the first round, leaving Andrade bloodied and frustrated. She even attempted a kimura trap to counter Andrade’s slam attempts.

But in the second round, Andrade caught Rose in a high-crotch lift. The slam that followed knocked Rose unconscious on impact. It was a shocking end to what had been a masterful performance by Namajunas. Andrade’s victory showcased the unpredictable nature of MMA and the power she brought to the division.

6. Zhang Weili vs. Jessica Andrade (UFC Fight Night 157, 2019)

Zhang Weili’s rise to stardom began with this spectacular performance in front of her home crowd in Shenzhen, China. Andrade, fresh off her title win, came forward with her trademark aggression. Zhang didn’t back down, meeting her head-on with brutal clinch knees and sharp elbows.

A hook stunned Andrade, and Zhang followed up with a relentless barrage of strikes, forcing the referee to step in just 42 seconds into the first round. This victory not only crowned Zhang as the first Chinese UFC champion but also signaled the arrival of a new global star.

7. Zhang Weili vs. Joanna Jędrzejczyk (UFC 248, 2020)

This fight is etched in history as one of the greatest wars ever seen in the Octagon. Zhang and Joanna traded strikes for 25 minutes, with neither giving an inch. The fight was a showcase of elite skill and sheer willpower, with both women landing over 100 significant strikes.

The decision was razor-close, with Zhang earning a split-decision victory. Joanna’s swollen forehead became a lasting image of the battle. This bout cemented Zhang’s legitimacy as champion and added another chapter to Joanna’s Hall of Fame career.

8. Rose Namajunas vs. Zhang Weili (UFC 261, 2021)

Rose Namajunas shocked the world once again with a head kick that sent Zhang crashing to the canvas in just 78 seconds. Leading up to the fight, Rose’s mantra, "I’m the best," seemed prophetic. The high kick was lightning-fast and perfectly timed, leaving Zhang no chance to recover.

In the rematch later that year, Rose proved her dominance with a closely fought decision victory, showcasing her evolution as a complete fighter.

9. Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan (UFC 300, 2024)

The first all-Chinese title fight in UFC history was nothing short of spectacular. Zhang dominated early, earning a 10-8 round in the second with relentless ground-and-pound. But Yan showed immense heart, coming back strong in the third round and giving Zhang all she could handle.

Zhang rallied in the championship rounds, securing a unanimous decision victory. This fight highlighted the depth of talent in the strawweight division and Zhang’s ability to dig deep when it mattered most.

10. Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez (UFC 312, February 2024)

This one hasn’t happened yet, but it’s shaping up to be an instant classic. Zhang’s striking and explosive power will be tested against Suarez’s elite wrestling and undefeated record. The stakes couldn’t be higher as these two warriors clash for the 115-pound crown.

Don’t Miss UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2The action goes down live from Qudos Bank Arena

in Sydney, Australia, on February 9, 2024. Prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT.