Mackenzie Dern predicts Amanda Lemos to knock out Zhang Weili

June 4, 2023 - UFC strawweight contender Mackenzie Dern believes that champion Zhang Weili will lose her belt when she squares off against challenger Amanda Lemos at UFC 292 on August 19 in Boston. Not only does Dern (13-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) see Weili losing, but she also sees her getting stopped.

"I think Amanda Lemos is going to knock her out," Dern told Michael Bisping in a recent interview. "Amanda Lemos is a hard fight. She's probably one of the last persons on my list that I want to fight right now."

Dern, who's coming off a unanimous decision win over veteran Angela Hill, knows Weili is a tough adversary and is currently the world's best at 115 pounds. But she believes Lemos is bound to catch her in 25 minutes of fighting.

"From what I saw with Rose (Namajunas) catching her (Weili) on the chin with that kick and was just kind of like 'boom,' on the spot, precise, I can see Amanda Lemos like hanging on," Dern explained. "She's hard to knock out, she has a good base. I don't see Weili like Jessica Andrade with big biceps and that style to submit her, even though I know Zhang has a ground game. I think in 25 minutes, she can land a shot that will knock her out."

Dern's prediction is certainly bold, but it's not without merit. Lemos is a dangerous striker with a 13-2-1 record and 10 knockouts. She's also coming off a dominant performance against Marina Rodriguez, in which she knocked her out in the second round.

Weili is no slouch either. She's a former champion with a 23-3 record and 10 knockouts. She's also known for her striking, but she's also a very good grappler.

This fight has all the makings of a classic. It's a striker vs. grappler matchup between two of the best fighters in the world. It's sure to be an exciting fight, and it could be the fight of the year.

The UFC strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Amanda Lemos is shaping up to be one of the biggest fights of the year. Both fighters are coming off impressive wins, and they both have a lot to prove. It's a fight that could have a major impact on the division, and it's sure to be a thrilling contest.